The ultra-rare viper shark was caught in the Pacific Ocean near Taiwan, and is one of only a handful snared since 1986
SCIENTISTS were left baffled after catching a rare shark that can extend its jaws beyond its mouth – just like the monster from sci-fi hit Alien.
The viper shark – named for its fearsome fangs – was caught in the Pacific Ocean near Taiwan.
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The terrifying creature was caught off the coast of Taiwan – and was compared to the beast from sci-fi hit AlienCredit: Credit: Pen News/Fisheries Research Institute
It seizes its pray with its rapidly extending jaws – which can be used to swallow large fish with one bite.
The glow-in-the-dark beast is so incredibly rare that only a handful have been caught since they were first discovered in 1986.
Taiwan’s Fisheries Research Institute said it had picked up five of the creatures near Donghe Township during a routine survey.
Describing them, it said: “The most obvious feature are the needle-shaped teeth, like snake-like fangs; this is also the origin of viper shark name.”
Viper sharks are so rare, only a handful have been caught since 1986Credit: Credit: Pen News/Fisheries Research Institute
Because they are so seldom seen, little is known about viper sharks =- but they’re believed to migrate from 300m-400m deep during the day to 150m deep at night.
Of the latest specimens – which were caught at a depth of 350m – four were dead and the living shark was immersed in cool seawater, but died a day later.
The viper shark diet comprises crustaceans and bony fishes, including lanternfishes – perhaps attracted by the predator’s glowing body.
The species was first discovered in 1986 off the coast of Shikoku Island, Japan, by the bottom-trawler, Seiryo-Maru.
Its scientific name Trigonognathus kabeyai honours the fishing vessel’s captain, Hiromichi Kabeya.
