A new species of shark was discovered in the Indian Ocean. Researches reveal that these species belong to the catshark family.

New weird-looking shark species were discovered from the Indian Ocean along the Southwest Indian Ridge or the underwater mountain system that bisects the ocean of Africa and Antarctica. They revealed recently that the sharks belonged to a new catshark species and named it Apristurus Manocheriani, in honor of Greg Manocherian, a supporter of shark conservation and research. They proposed a common name – Manocherian’s Catshark.

What Is Catshark Species?

Catsharks belong to the genus Apristurus. These catshark species have been found in almost all oceans, including the Arctic. An interesting fact is that these species are not found in the Antarctic. They are mostly found at depths from about 200 – 2200 meters and prefer slopes, seamounts, deep-sea ridges, and trenches. They have long, cat-like eyes; two small dorsal fins set back on their bodies; and most species are patterned with stripes, spots, or patches. There are 39 species found which belong to this genus.

The majority of these species are found in the western Pacific, out of which six species have been reported from the western part of the Indian Ocean. 

Species – Apristurus Manocheriani 

This species is a catshark with a porcelain white body color and a pink tint, with a maximum total length of at least 558 mm for males and 495 mm for females. They have numerous and large teeth which are similar in both the upper and lower jaw. They are long, robust, and flanked by one or two acutely pointed lateral cusps on each side, There are two successively smaller cusps on each side, less than the height of the central cusp.

Most Deadliest Shark Species?

Bull sharks are considered the deadliest shark species in the world.

Bull sharks are found in coastal waters all over the world. They have even been found in the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers. They prefer shallow coastal waters, which means they can often come into contact with humans. Bull sharks are often considered to be the most dangerous sharks. Bull sharks have a very aggressive tendency towards their prey. They are thought to be the most dangerous towards humans because of their aggressive tendencies and ability to migrate up rivers. These sharks eat mostly fish, but can also eat other shark species, marine mammals, and turtles. Bull sharks usually live for 12 to 16 years. Unlike most sharks, bull sharks can survive in freshwater for a long period. They have special glands and kidney functions to help their bodies retain salt while in freshwater.

Towards The End

There are various species of sharks found deep in the oceans. The most recent discovery is Apristurus Manocheriani. The sharks are not picky eaters. However, shark attacks are extremely rare. In a year, fewer than 20 people die by shark attacks, but more than 20 million sharks die in relation to the fishing industry.

By Apoorva Rao G

Content Writer (Erakina by RTMN)

23rd Nov’21