A rare and elusive shark has been captured on camera swimming off the coast of British Columbia, leaving marine experts in awe.
The footage, captured by a team of researchers from the Vancouver Aquarium, shows a bluntnose sixgill shark gliding through the waters near the Sunshine Coast. This species of shark is known for its elusive nature and is rarely seen by humans.
According to the Vancouver Aquarium, this is only the second time in history that a bluntnose sixgill shark has been caught on camera in British Columbia. The first sighting was in 2012, also by the Vancouver Aquarium team.
The shark, estimated to be around 3 meters in length, was spotted at a depth of 180 meters. The researchers were conducting a deep-sea survey when they came across the majestic creature.
Dr. Jeff Marliave, the vice president of marine science at the Vancouver Aquarium, described the encounter as a “once in a lifetime experience.” He also noted that the footage will provide valuable insights into the behavior and habitat of this elusive species.
The bluntnose sixgill shark is typically found in deep waters and is known to be a slow-moving, bottom-dwelling predator. They are often referred to as “living fossils” due to their ancient lineage, dating back to over 200 million years.
Despite their intimidating appearance, bluntnose sixgill sharks are not considered a threat to humans. They primarily feed on fish, squid, and other small marine animals.
The Vancouver Aquarium team hopes that this rare footage will help raise awareness about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures and their ocean habitats.
This sighting also highlights the need for continued research and conservation efforts to better understand and protect the diverse marine life found off the coast of British Columbia.
The footage of the bluntnose sixgill shark serves as a reminder of the wonders that lie beneath the surface of our oceans and the importance of preserving them for future generations to come.
