Deep Sea Catshark Discovered in the Galapagos Islands

Yet another animal previously unknown to Western science has been discovered in the deep seas around the Galapagos Islands. John McCosker, Chair of Aquatic Biology at the California Academy of Sciences collected the first specimens of this new catshark while diving in a submersible around the Galapagos Islands, at depths between 1,400 – 1,900 feet below sea level.

The shark is described as having a chocolate brown color with pale, randomly placed spots all over it. About a foot long, the scientists think the spotted patterns may be unique to each shark.

Working with research from the Academy and other sources, McCosker, along with Academy Research Associate Douglas Long and Smithsonian Institution scientist Carole Baldwin, determined that this catshark was in fact a new species of shark. They published their findings in March of this year in the journal Zootaxa.

This new catshark, Bythaelurus giddingsi, is another fine example of how there are creatures living on this planet that have been here a long time, but remained unknown to Western science until recently. From all indications there are plenty of more discoveries to come, not just from the sea and rainforests, but within our own communities.

Can Bigfoot be far behind? I hope not! Til the next time!

NO!! This is NOT a real catshark!! LOL!!

Catshark

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