Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes Staff
D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political Blogs.
As scientists delve deeper into the world's oceans, an increasing number of shark species are being discovered, unlocking mysteries that have puzzled marine biologists for decades. A fascinating example began with a simple egg found off the coast of Australia in 1989, leading to the recent discovery of a new species of shark over 30 years later. The process highlights how humanity is still uncovering new facets of the ocean's apex predators, expanding our knowledge of these ancient creatures.
A New Shark Species Discovered After 30 Years of Mystery
In 1989, Australian scientists found a peculiar egg case, known as a "mermaid's purse," off the Rowley Shoals in the East Timor Sea. With its unique ridged design, the egg case raised more questions than answers. Despite this, the case was archived without much investigation. It wasn’t until 2011, when a researcher rediscovered it in a museum, that the quest to identify the species behind the mysterious egg began.
Will White, a senior curator at the Australian National Fish Collection (CSIRO), was part of the team that ultimately cracked the case. They linked the egg to a pregnant shark caught in the same area years earlier. Dissecting the shark revealed an embryo inside an egg case with identical ridges. In 2023, the shark was officially recognized as a new species of demon catshark, now named *Apristurus ovicorrugatus*. This elusive species is believed to live at depths of around 700 meters and lay its eggs on coral, far beneath sunlight's reach.
A Surge in Shark Discoveries and Their Broader Implications
In recent decades, scientists have uncovered a significant surge in new shark species. Since the mid 1980s, the number of known shark species has grown by nearly 40%, from 360 to over 500. New discoveries show no signs of slowing down, with a recent example being a new species of ghost shark identified in September 2024 off the coast of New Zealand. This increase mirrors the golden age of exploration, fueled by both advanced deep sea exploration and diligent work in museum archives.
Sharks such as the demon catshark are not the only recent discoveries. Researchers have also identified new horn shark species in Australian waters and two new species of saw sharks off Africa’s coast. These sharks, with their distinctive rostrums lined with sharp teeth, offer insights into evolutionary traits, such as the six gill slits, a feature that harks back to ancient shark species from millions of years ago.
The discovery of new species is more than a scientific curiosity. These findings can have significant ecological and commercial implications. For example, misidentifying species in commercial fishing, as was the case with the blue skate in the North Atlantic, can devastate populations. With continued exploration and research, many more species may be awaiting discovery in the depths of the world's oceans.
