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Megamouth Sharks

All articles tagged with #megamouth sharks

nature2 years ago

Rare Footage Captures Megamouth Sharks Mating for the First Time

Two megamouth sharks were spotted together for the first time off the coast of San Diego, California. The larger shark, around 4.6 meters long, appeared to be circling the smaller one, which was 3.7 meters long. The sharks were not observed feeding, and the researchers suggest two theories for their behavior: foraging or courtship. Based on the video evidence and previous insights, the researchers conclude that the two sharks were most likely engaging in pre-mating behavior. Megamouth sharks are famously elusive, and this rare sighting sheds more insight into their lives.

science2 years ago

Rare Footage: Two Megamouth Sharks Captured on Video for the First Time

Fishers captured a rare video of two megamouth sharks swimming together off the coast of San Diego, which may show the deep-dwelling beasts in a courtship ritual. The elusive megamouth shark can grow to be 18 feet in length and weigh up to 2,679 pounds. In the 50 years since the species was discovered, there have been just 273 sightings, most involving sharks caught in fishing gear. The video contains the only knowledge we have on megamouth shark sociality, according to a new study analyzing the footage.

marine-biology2 years ago

Rare Footage: Two Megamouth Sharks Captured on Video for the First Time

Fishermen captured rare footage of two megamouth sharks swimming together off the coast of San Diego, providing insight into the social behavior of the elusive deep-sea creatures. The video shows the sharks engaging in courtship or mating behaviors, with visible male sex organs suggesting one was male and the other likely female. Megamouth sharks are filter feeders that can grow up to 18 feet in length and weigh over 2,600 pounds. The species was only discovered in 1976 and has been rarely seen in the wild, with just five sightings of freely swimming sharks.