Newly Discovered Painted Horned Shark: Unique Features and Evolutionary Significance

Off the coast of Australia, researchers have found a new species of shark that was previously unknown.

This is reported Live Science.

The new species was given the name painted horned shark (Heterodontus marshallae). These creatures are part of the order Heterodontiformes and also have a unique body shape, small horns and protruding eyes.

Australian National Fish Collection (ANFC) fish biologist Helen O’Neill said the members of this order resemble shark fossils that are now extinct. So, they have a similar morphology, in particular spikes. However, researchers have found that extinct species are not related to those that exist today.

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The discovered new species of sharks lives only in the northwestern waters of Australia at a depth of 125 to 229 meters. The greatest surprise is caused by the teeth of these creatures, which are located in several rows in the large jaw in relation to the skull. Scientists believe that due to this feature they consume mollusks and crustaceans.

ANFC senior curator and co-author of the study, Will White, said that all species of horn sharks have very similar teeth, but as a group, these animals are characterized by quite different teeth when compared to most other creatures. Scientists believe that these sharks have teeth similar to human molars. In the course of evolution, they underwent changes that allowed predators to crush prey with a shell.

Note that scientists caught this species back in November last year, when they explored the Gascoigne Marine Park (Western Australia). Then they met an adult male, whose length was 53 cm from the tip of the muzzle to the caudal fin.

Previously, Cursor reported that scientists have shown a creepy fish with a unique head that lives at great depths in the ocean.

2023-08-11 19:02:18
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