Two years ago a recreational fisherman, Steve Downs, caught two sharks of unknown origin. Researchers at the University of Western Australia have uncovered their identity and discovered new information about the species.
The sharks, a male and pregnant female, were identified as mandarin dogfish, a type of shark usually found in the waters between Japan and Indonesia, and also New Zealand. Finding them in Australian waters has prompted a rethinking of the animal’s habits.
The sharks were found near Rottnest island at a depth of 430 metres. The female was carrying 22 pups, where the previous maximum was thought to be ten.
Read more at The University of Western Australia