First Viper Shark Discovery Since 1986
Photo courtesy of Taiwan’s Fisheries Research Institute
Yep, Taiwan’s Fisheries Research Institute just caught a shark that has a mouth inside of its mouth, and it can protrude and retract. Caught on January 3rd, 2018 this shark has baffled scientists, as it is the first Viper Shark discovery since 1986.
This horror causing creature was compared to the murderous creatures in the movie Alien, as they both share the second mouth characteristic, according to thesun.co.uk.
Being as rare as they are, there is little knowledge of the creatures’ habits. Speculation says that they migrate from 300m-400m deep during the day to 150m deep at night. They feed on small to large bony fish, according to foxnews.com.
Five specimens were caught recently, however four were dead and the fifth died in lab the next day, according to Taiwan’s Fisheries Research Institute.
The first ever occurence of the Viper Shark was in 1986. They were found off the coast of Shikoku Island, Japan, by the bottom-trawler, Seiryo-Maru. Its scientific name Trigonognathus Kabeyai honors the fishing vessel’s captain, Hiromichi Kabeya, according to thesun.co.uk.
“The most obvious feature are the needle-shaped teeth, like snake-like fangs; this is also the origin of viper shark name,” stated in a statement by Taiwan’s Fisheries Research Institute, according to foxnews.com.
Alexandra Herrada • Feb 6, 2018 at 10:35 pm
I liked your article. I want to know if they are very close to extinction and if they are going to preserve the rest of them? If they find them.
Analisa Berry • Feb 6, 2018 at 9:58 pm
What I enjoyed most reading about your article was that this was a big discovery that baffled scientists.
Adam Torres • Feb 6, 2018 at 6:31 pm
I think it is Interesting to see the Viper Shark, even though it was last seen in 1986.But I do think its an insterting species. And, I would like to know more about the Viper Shark.
Matt • Feb 6, 2018 at 2:36 pm
This was so cool! I love the studies of these creatures, and it was super interesting to say at the very least. 🙂
Alexander • Feb 6, 2018 at 11:24 am
imagine getting bit by one
Cami Dahncke • Feb 5, 2018 at 11:39 am
I enjoyed reading your article and would like to know more about how they caught the Viper Shark. Did they catch it on accident or on porpoise? How did they catch it?
Analisa Berry • Feb 6, 2018 at 9:59 pm
LOL I get it! Porpoise!
Tamara Mahdi • Feb 5, 2018 at 11:28 am
A captivating & intriguing article, I enjoyed reading about this odd creature
Jenna Brawer • Feb 2, 2018 at 12:00 pm
This is a very cool topic to talk about it is incredible that we haven’t seen a viper shark since 1986.
Garen Minasian • Feb 1, 2018 at 9:26 pm
That looks very scary and looks dangerous! This is a Very good article, Keep up the good work!
Gabriel • Feb 1, 2018 at 7:20 pm
this thing is scary
Charlie Bigani • Jan 31, 2018 at 6:29 pm
I enjoyed your article and would like to learn more about the Viper Sharks habitat
Derek • Jan 30, 2018 at 5:26 pm
That is scary, I would not want to see that next to my foot in the water.