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

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 livesin shallow coastal waters. However, a recent study published in the European Journal of Taxonomy (April 25th) suggestedthat 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 inscientific 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

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After catching their unexpected discovery, the fishermen froze two whole sharks and the head of a third before sendingthem 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.

The study details the sharks as measuring slightly over threefeet 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.

"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)