Small Shark Species Discovered

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

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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 Akst was managing editor of The Scientist, where she started as an intern in 2009 after receiving a master’s degree from Indiana University in April 2009 studying the mating behavior of seahorses.
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