Marine biologists spots Ancient Greenland Shark in Caribbean Sea

A team of marine biologists found a Greenland shark in the balmy depth of the Caribbean Sea recently. The rare species of shark was found far away from its usual habitat of the icy Arctic, near the coast of Belize.

The Greenland shark was encountered by the researchers during their mission, which was focused on the tiger sharks. It is said that when the scientists were monitoring the underwater life at Glover’s Reef Atoll, they spotted something like a sixgill shark.

Later, it was discovered that the creature they were confused with, the sixgill shark, was actually a Greenland shark, which is among an extant species family of Sharks. The creature was identified by the experts with the help of his slow-moving tenancy in the deep sea, for which it is known.

One of the marine biologists involved in the mission explained that they suddenly saw a sluggish and very slow-moving creature while their operation was under the surface of the sea. The identification of the Greenland shark in the Caribbean Sea was confirmed based on photographs.

The rare species of Greenland shark is mentioned as a creature that is known for their longevity. These sharks live a life of more than two centuries long, as per the available data. They belong back to the prehistoric time-period and inhabit the deep, dark, cold waters of the Arctic.

The presence of the ancient species of Greenland Shark in the warm water of the Caribbean Sea against their tendency sparked a discussion among marine experts. Along with interest, many questions are floating around about the discovery of a creature far from its known home.

The finding of a Greenland Shark about 2,000 feet below the water surface in the Caribbean Sea left scientists full of doubts. The unexpected incident also opened the doors to new studies in relation to sharks and ancient marine life.

After observing one of the rarest events under the water, the marine biologists stated that this incident highlights how deep sea regions are still unexplored. The enigmatic nature of the ocean is still unknown to mankind, and whatever is known is just very little of the vast reality.

The Director of NOAA office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Alan Leonardi, said in his words, “We know so little about the deep ocean that pretty much anyone can find something new if they were doing something unique down there.”

With the presence of the Greenland shark in the Caribbean Sea, experts are drawing an assumption that this species is able to inhabit beyond its known Arctic range in the deep sea. It is disclosed that the discovery was made possible with a collaborative effort in the protected area of the ocean.

For the discovery, the contribution of the local fishers and Belizean authorities is highlighted along with the marine biologists involved in the operation. However, the origin of the Greenland Shark, which was spotted in the Caribbean Sea, is still a matter of research.