Scientists have identified a new species of pocket shark that can glow-in-the-dark and emit luminous fluid from its body. The unique creature has a rather interesting backstory in that it was first captured in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, but only caught the attention of researchers a few years later when they spotted the weird find among a slew of other marine animals harvested in a NOAA study on sperm whales. It was subsequently studied by scientist who determined that they had a rather precious discovery on their hands.
"In the history of fisheries science, only two pocket sharks have ever been captured or reported," marveled NOAA's Mark Grace in a press release detailing a newly published paper about the creature. In a testament to just how elusive these marine animals are, the only other pocket shark ever found until now was caught 40 years ago in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Chile. And, when examined by experts, it was determined that the 2010 pocket shark was an entirely different species, making it truly a one-of-a-kind creature.
More on this amazing story at the Coast to Coast AM website.