A Living Relic Lurks in the Depths
Deep in the ocean, where sunlight never reaches, lurks a predator older than the dinosaurs—the bluntnose sixgill shark. OceanX researchers recently had a chilling encounter with one of these massive creatures, capturing incredible footage as it loomed over their submersible. The shark, which can grow up to 5.5 metres long, appeared suddenly from the abyss, momentarily dwarfing the submarine.
A Rare Close-Up with a Deep-Sea Giant
OceanX’s mission wasn’t just about watching—it was about making history. Their team successfully tagged the sixgill shark from a submersible, a feat never before accomplished. Scientists from Florida and OceanX worked together to track the movement and behaviour of this elusive species, which typically resides at depths of 2,500 metres.
Tagging these deep-sea predators is no easy task. The team had to carefully approach the shark, attach the tag using a specialised lance, and avoid startling the massive fish. The data collected from this effort will help marine biologists understand the shark’s migration patterns, diet, and role in the ecosystem.
A Predator That Predates Dinosaurs
The bluntnose sixgill shark is a true relic of the past, having existed for over 200 million years. Unlike many modern sharks, it has six gill slits instead of five, a trait seen in ancient shark species. These sharks are opportunistic feeders, preying on fish, squid, and even other sharks.
Despite their intimidating size and prehistoric lineage, sixgill sharks are not considered dangerous to humans. Their deep-sea habitat keeps them far from human activity, making encounters like the one in the OceanX footage extremely rare.
Why This Discovery Matters
By tagging the shark, scientists hope to gain insights into the health of deep-sea ecosystems. As ocean temperatures change and human activity increases, understanding the movements of top predators like the sixgill shark is crucial for conservation efforts.
The footage captured by OceanX is a stark reminder of how little we know about the deep sea. With so much of our ocean unexplored, who knows what other prehistoric giants might still be lurking below?
