that frilled shark did not look like it was going to live much longer....
Rare 'living fossil' deep sea sharks go on show - AJW by The Asahi Shimbun
Rare 'living fossil' deep sea sharks go on show - AJW by The Asahi Shimbun
Marine life lovers now have a rare chance to see two deep sea sharks known as “living fossils” up close.
The goblin shark and a frilled shark, which retain characteristics of ancient shark species, are stalking an aquarium at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise after being caught in Sagami Bay off the coast of Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.
“It is indeed a rare opportunity to see these two species together in the same tank. We hope to keep them as long as possible for the benefit of people interested in sharks and other deep sea creatures,” said Sou Abe, a senior aquarium keeper.
The goblin shark has a flat-tipped nose like a spatula, and the frilled shark has a round head and tubular body.
The frilled shark is particularly rare. The fish rarely survives long periods of captivity. However, a few goblin sharks are caught each year.
They usually roam at depths of 1,000 meters or more, but can get trapped by gill nets at this time of year when they swim closer to the surface as waters get colder.
A member of staff at the aquarium discovered the sharks when accompanying fishermen on Jan. 5.