Megamouth Shark
Common Names: Megamouth Shark
Scientific Name: Megachasma pelagios
Size: Up to 5.2m
Found in: Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Population Status: Classed as ‘data deficient’ (there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status - IUCN 2009)
Tooth Shape:
Megamouth sharks feed on plankton, their teeth are tiny. They will swim with their mouth open, filtering water for plankton and jellyfish.
Reproduction:
Ovoviviparous
Pups develop in eggs inside the mother, until they hatch and are born live. Number of pups and gestation period are still unknown.
Interesting Facts:
The first Megamouth Shark was discovered in 1976. Only around 43 specimens are known to have been caught or sighted as of 2009 and three recordings on film.
It’s mouth can be up to 1.3m wide!