While fishing for bony fish off the Chilean coast, some fishermen made an unexpected discovery in their gill nets—they had captured a species believed to be lost. Described in 1887 as the Chilean angel shark, this small, flat shark resembling a ray lives&nbsp;in shallow coastal waters. However, a recent study published in the European Journal of Taxonomy (April 25th) suggested&nbsp;that the initial description was incomplete and inaccurate, according to The Miami Herald.

The researchers found that the 1887 study provided only a few body measurements, which were insufficient to distinguish this specimen from its close relatives. Additionally, the collected animal was lost, leaving a significant gap in&nbsp;scientific understanding of the Chilean angel shark. While occasional bycatches provided glimpses of the species over time, a comprehensive description remained elusive. Then, fate intervened, and the elusive sharks landed in the hands of the fishermen.

<h2>Researches confirm the discovery of once-lost Chilean angel shark</h2>

After catching their unexpected discovery, the fishermen froze two whole sharks and the head of a third before sending&nbsp;them to the National Museum of Natural History in Santiago, Chile. Researchers there were excited to confirm that they had found two Squatina armata, also known as Angelote in Spanish and Chilean angel shark in English.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/enormous-15ft-sea-creature-washes-up-on-uk-coast-stunning-beachgoers-677526">Also read |&nbsp;Enormous 15ft sea creature washes up on UK coast, stunning beachgoers</a>

The study details the sharks as measuring slightly over three&nbsp;feet long and having flattened bodies, making them resemble rays more than sharks.

Adding to their distinctive appearance, these sharks have "enlarged dorsal thorns" – small, sharp, hook-shaped protrusions found on both their heads and backs, according to the researchers.

Despite this encounter, the Chilean angel shark remains shrouded in mystery. Limited research and rare sightings have led to their classification as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.&nbsp;

According to NOAA, these creatures are "nocturnal bottom-dwellers," spending most of their lives buried within the sand and mud of coastal sediment.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiny-sea-creatures-could-help-unravel-flight-mh370s-mysterious-disappearance-heres-how-698967">Also read |&nbsp;Tiny sea creatures could help unravel flight MH370’s mysterious disappearance. Here’s how</a>

"Recent taxonomic studies on angel sharks ... with this updated morphological characterization of the Chilean angel shark, questions on geographic range, estimations of abundance, and real incidence in landings can be clarified to ultimately inform better conservation practices of this critically endangered species and other angel sharks on the Pacific coast of America," the researchers said.

The sharks were caught near Playa Seremeno in northern Chile on the Pacific coast.

(With inputs from agencies)

While fishing for bony fish off the Chilean coast, some fishermen made an unexpected discovery in their gill nets—they had captured a species believed to be lost.

While fishing for bony fish off the Chilean coast, some fishermen made an unexpected discovery in their gill nets—they had captured a species believed to be lost. Described in 1887 as the Chilean angel shark, this small, flat shark resembling a ray lives in shallow coastal waters. However, a recent study published in the European Journal of Taxonomy (April 25th) suggested that the initial description was incomplete and inaccurate, according to The Miami Herald. The researchers found that the 1887 study provided only a few body measurements, which were insufficient to distinguish this specimen from its close relatives. Additionally, the collected animal was lost, leaving a significant gap in scientific understanding of the Chilean angel shark. While occasional bycatches provided glimpses of the species over time, a comprehensive description remained elusive. Then, fate intervened, and the elusive sharks landed in the hands of the fishermen. Researches confirm the discovery of once-lost Chilean angel shark After catching their unexpected discovery, the fishermen froze two whole sharks and the head of a third before sending them to the National Museum of Natural History in Santiago, Chile. Researchers there were excited to confirm that they had found two Squatina armata, also known as Angelote in Spanish and Chilean angel shark in English. Also read | Enormous 15ft sea creature washes up on UK coast, stunning beachgoers The study details the sharks as measuring slightly over three feet long and having flattened bodies, making them resemble rays more than sharks. Adding to their distinctive appearance, these sharks have "enlarged dorsal thorns" – small, sharp, hook-shaped protrusions found on both their heads and backs, according to the researchers. Despite this encounter, the Chilean angel shark remains shrouded in mystery. Limited research and rare sightings have led to their classification as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. According to NOAA, these creatures are "nocturnal bottom-dwellers," spending most of their lives buried within the sand and mud of coastal sediment. Also read | Tiny sea creatures could help unravel flight MH370’s mysterious disappearance. Here’s how "Recent taxonomic studies on angel sharks ... with this updated morphological characterization of the Chilean angel shark, questions on geographic range, estimations of abundance, and real incidence in landings can be clarified to ultimately inform better conservation practices of this critically endangered species and other angel sharks on the Pacific coast of America," the researchers said. The sharks were caught near Playa Seremeno in northern Chile on the Pacific coast. (With inputs from agencies)

Rare ocean predator missing since 1800s found in Chilean fishers' net

A new rainbow-coloured fish has been discovered apparently living in the 'twilight zone' far beneath the waves off the coast of the Maldives. It was found living at depths ranging from 40 to 70 meters beneath the ocean's surface.&nbsp;

The scientific name of this rose-veiled fairy wrasse is Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa. The wrasses are a family, Labridae, of marine fish, many of which are brightly coloured.&nbsp;

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Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa, the name of this stunning fish is based on its pink hues. It is inspired by the national flower of the Maldives, which is the pink rose. 'Finifenmaa' means rose in the local Maldivian language - Dhivehi.&nbsp;

Focusing on the details and specifications of the fish, a study has been published Tuesday (March 8) in the journal ZooKeys.&nbsp;

This is the first fish to be described by a Maldivian scientist Ahmed Najeeb, who is a co-author of the study and biologist at the Maldives Marine Research Institute.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spiders-fly-using-electric-field-you-are-allowed-to-be-scared-and-ask-why-461024">Spiders 'fly' using electric field, you are allowed to be scared and ask 'WHY'?</a>

Najeeb said, "It has always been foreign scientists who have described species found in the Maldives without much involvement from local scientists, even those that are endemic to the Maldives."&nbsp;

"This time it is different and getting to be part of something for the first time has been really exciting, especially having the opportunity to work alongside top ichthyologists on such an elegant and beautiful species," he added.&nbsp;

A new rainbow-coloured fish has been discovered apparently living in the 'twilight zone' far beneath the waves off the coast of the Maldives. It was found living at depths ranging from 40 to 70 meters beneath the ocean's surface.

A new rainbow-coloured fish has been discovered apparently living in the 'twilight zone' far beneath the waves off the coast of the Maldives. It was found living at depths ranging from 40 to 70 meters beneath the ocean's surface. The scientific name of this rose-veiled fairy wrasse is Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa. The wrasses are a family, Labridae, of marine fish, many of which are brightly coloured. ALSO READ | Explainer: Xenotransplantation; Is animal to human organ transplant likely to succeed in the near future? Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa, the name of this stunning fish is based on its pink hues. It is inspired by the national flower of the Maldives, which is the pink rose. 'Finifenmaa' means rose in the local Maldivian language - Dhivehi. Focusing on the details and specifications of the fish, a study has been published Tuesday (March 8) in the journal ZooKeys. This is the first fish to be described by a Maldivian scientist Ahmed Najeeb, who is a co-author of the study and biologist at the Maldives Marine Research Institute. ALSO READ | Spiders 'fly' using electric field, you are allowed to be scared and ask 'WHY'? Najeeb said, "It has always been foreign scientists who have described species found in the Maldives without much involvement from local scientists, even those that are endemic to the Maldives." "This time it is different and getting to be part of something for the first time has been really exciting, especially having the opportunity to work alongside top ichthyologists on such an elegant and beautiful species," he added.

It's not photoshop! Rainbow-coloured fish discovered living off the coast of Maldives

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Rare ocean predator missing since 1800s found in Chilean fishers' net

It's not photoshop! Rainbow-coloured fish discovered living off the coast of Maldives