Small Shark Species Discovered

Deep diving scientists near the Galapagos Islands churn up a new shark variety, measuring just over 1 foot long.

Written byJef Akst

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Bythaelurus giddingsiCALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Sharks with brown skin with pale spots and the size of a typical housecat are trolling the deep waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands, scientists have learned. Measuring just 1.3 feet long, the newly discovered species belongs to the catshark, or dogfish, family—one of the largest shark families, Wired Science reported.

Named Bythaelurus giddingsi, and possibly Galapagos Catshark as its common name (to be determined), the new species was found during two submersible treks to depths of 1,400 to 1,900 feet around the Galapagos, which collected seven specimens that were then examined by researchers at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The species was described earlier this week (March 5) in Zootaxa.

“The discovery of a new shark species is always interesting, particularly at ...

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Meet the Author

Jef Akst
Jef (an unusual nickname for Jennifer) got her master’s degree from Indiana University in April 2009 studying the mating behavior of seahorses. After four years of diving off the Gulf Coast of Tampa and performing behavioral experiments at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, she left research to pursue a career in science writing. As The Scientist's managing editor, Jef edited features and oversaw the production of the TS Digest and quarterly print magazine. In 2022, her feature on uterus transplantation earned first place in the trade category of the Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers.
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