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Scientists discovered a new species of tiny shark that glows in the Gulf of Mexico.
The species is called the American pocket shark. Its name is an allusion to its small size and pocket-like pouches near its front fins. This new shark is only 14 centimeters long. The scientists found that the pouches release a liquid substance that produces light. According to the scientists, the shark may be using this luminous liquid to attract prey or evade predators.
The discovery of the American pocket shark was unintended. In 2010, scientists set out to collect specimens from the Gulf of Mexico and study the diet of sperm whales. However, it was only in 2013 when the researchers examined the specimens and noticed one, which belonged to the pocket shark. After several years of further study, the researchers were able to confirm only this year that the shark was a new species.
At first, the scientists speculated that the species was the same as the only other pocket shark caught in 1979 in the Pacific Ocean. The 1979 pocket shark also had pouches. However, the researchers were unable to identify the purpose of these pouches.
A thorough study revealed that the 1979 pocket shark and the newly discovered one are two different species. Researchers found that the American pocket shark had fewer backbones. Additionally, this species had organs that emit light, which can be found in many parts of the shark’s body.
The discovery of this new pocket shark species has caused excitement among scientists. One researcher from Tulane Biodiversity Research Institute commented that there are probably a lot of species to be discovered in the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico.