THE GHOST IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS

A new species of ghost catshark has been discovered by Australian scientists after an unusual egg, housed in an Australian museum for decades, sparked questions by experts.

Words: Matilda Meikle species of freckled catsharks, further research suggested the egg belonged to an entirely new category of catshark. This resulted in an egg hunt through museum archives, eventually leading experts to conclude that the egg came from an entirely unidentified species. This new species of has been named Apristurus ovicorrugatus due to its corrugated eggs. Already, there are several theories as to the need for this rough egg surface. Many suggest that the ridges provide the eggs with additional strength and protection to defend against predators. Sea snails often drill holes into shark eggs for food, however this becomes significantly more difficult if the shell is covered in hard spikes.

Similarly, deep-sea trawling and mining pose a major threat to these animals, as they lay their eggs in coral ecosystems which are commonly trawled. Again, the shell surface may act as a last defence against these dangerous machines, which pose a major risk to the survival of all ghost catshark species.

The new discovery has prompted further research into the habits and habitats of these unique creatures. It opens up questions about their evolution, and also provides scientists with insight into the greatest risks facing these sharks. Armed with more information, they will be able to make better decisions when it comes to conservation and expand their knowledge on this new species.