Scientists have discovered the first carcass of a pregnant megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) washed ashore in Barangay Ipil, Dipaculao Aurora, Philippines.
Adult megamouth shark (back) and its calves. Photo: Joan Edillo/Annabelle Lapitn
The new discovery helps confirm that megamouth sharks are ovoviviparous: eggs develop inside the mother's body and the mother gives birth to live young, Forbes reported on December 3.
The megamouth shark was first discovered in 1976. It is considered the most impressive new shark species discovery of the late 20th century, according to Dr. David Ebert, an ichthyologist at the Pacific Shark Research Center. To date, fewer than 120 individuals have been observed or filmed, and many mysteries remain about this deep-sea creature.
Megamouth sharks are characterized by a rounded snout, wide mouth, and bulging head. They are slow-moving and non-aggressive, feeding on small plankton as they swim. Scientists rarely see megamouth sharks because they prefer deep, remote waters, and are usually slow-moving and solitary.
Therefore, the new discovery on the coast of the Philippines is extremely valuable to scientists. The animal is more than 5 meters long, about 1 meter wide, estimated to weigh 400 kg and is preparing to give birth. Each baby is about 1.7 meters long, 0.3 meters wide, and weighs 40 kg.
"The discovery of a pregnant female provides useful information about the mysterious megamouth shark. This first case of a pregnant female will help answer a number of questions such as how many babies are born per litter, how large the adult females are, and where they breed," said Ebert.
Thu Thao (According to Forbes )
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