A strange-looking deep-sea ‘dragon’ shark has amazed spectators by appearing on a popular beach. The pregnant Portuguese shark, typically found at depths of 3,500m, weighed 40lbs and measured 4ft 8in long when it washed up on Luarca Beach in northwestern Spain.
Known as a Portuguese dogfish, this shark species was once heavily fished for its meat and oil, but its population is now at risk of endangerment due to overfishing and low reproduction rates. The shark feeds on fish, mollusks, and sea mammals and has been observed attacking giant squid.
Considered ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, these sharks are protected from fishing activities. An autopsy conducted by Luis Laria, president of the Centre for Studies and Protection of Marine Species, revealed that the cause of death of the shark remains uncertain. The examination showed signs of possible accidental capture by a fishing crew, leading to fatal injuries.
The autopsy also uncovered the presence of gestation in the shark, with 12 large developing eggs and nine undeveloped eggs. The examination indicated no food remains in the digestive tract, suggesting the shark had not recently eaten. Locals compared the creature to characters from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise, noting its unique appearance and eyes.