New shark species

[mudchick]

This may belong on the shark forum but I thought it may be of interest to others as well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5065510.stm

This link to the BBC News website under their science and tech banner describes the discovery of a new species of shark previously believed to be another type of scalloped hammerhead. Genetic testing has shown this to be a new type that at this point is found only off the South Carolina coast. I couldn't wait to share this; I think its so cool!

 

[KansaiKitsune]

This is fascinating -- I've heard that the hammerheads are the most "recent" of the shark species in terms of appearance. We could be looking at an entirely new subspecies here! It's a very exciting time to be a icythyologist with all these recent discoveries.

 

[Jeff Toorish]

Very cool!

 

[mudchick]

I think I must have been an icthyologist in a previous life. I am incredibly fascinated by sharks, though my non-diving friends think I'm a bit cracked. Divers know what I'm talking about. And in the Bahamas last month I finally got to swin with about a half dozen caribbean reefs--something I can take off of my life to-do list but I can't wait to see more!

 

[Jcsgt]

Thanks for sharing that, Mudchick. How interesting! I hope I'm fortunate enough to get to see these guys.

 

[mogwai]

Very cool, love hammerheads, have yet to see one as they don't tend to frequent the lovely warm water surrounding Scotland LOL, will just have to keep frequenting the Red Sea in the hope of sighting one.

 

[Walter]

This is not unusual. Scientists can't agree on exactly how many shark species exist nor how to classify them.