Megamouth Shark
Table of Contents
One of the rarest shark species on Earth, the megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) probably has a very wide habitat range, but there have been only 60 sightings of this special animal so far.
Megamouth sharks have been found in the Atlantic, the Indian and the Pacific Ocean. The waters surrounding Japan, the Philippines, Brazil, California, Hawaii and Ecuador are thought to be frequently visited by these gigantic animals.
The megamouth is not only among the rarest, but also one of the largest of all shark species. While most sharks do not grow bigger that 6-6.5 feet, the megamouth can grow to reach a staggering 17 feet in length on average or even more (one carcass found near Taiwan was 23 feet long, while a live specimen caught in California was 25 feet long). Their average weight is around 2,700 pounds.
The feature these extraordinary creatures received their name after is the extra-large head. They have a very wide mouth (in some cases wider than 4 feet), lined with 50 rows of small teeth in each of its huge jaws, out of which only 3 are functional and have thick, rubbery lips. Around the mouth there is a line a photopores, spot-like organs that can emit light to lure planktons. The body of the megamouth is of a brownish-gray color on the top, with a whitish belly. Megamouth sharks are slow and awkward swimmers; therefore, they are not as active as the other filter-feeding sharks.
The megamouth is one out of the three plankton feeder shark species known to scientists today. The animal captures food swimming around with its mouth open, extracting nutrients from the water around by pumping the water through its gills. Megamouth sharks ascend and descend following their preferred food, krill. Researchers think that megamouth sharks follow the movement pattern of the plankton. That’s why they spend the day in the deeper layers of the water, usually at around 400-500 feet, moving closer to the surface, to depths around 40-80 feet only during the night. This pattern explains why megamouth sharks are so rarely seen and captured.
The megamouth is an ovoviviparous species, the juveniles being kept safe inside the mother’s body until they are sufficiently developed to be able to survive alone.
The first record of an encounter with a megamouth is quite recent, dating back only to 1976. The discovery of this new shark species was accidental – the large animal became entangled in the anchor of a U.S. Navy ship 25 miles from the coast of Hawaii. Since then several live and dead specimen have been found and examined, males, females and juveniles alike, the skin and the head of the dead specimen being usually displayed in various museums. The vertical migration pattern of the species was discovered in 1990, when scientists put a tracking device on male megamouth shark caught accidentally in a fishing net.
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Megamouth Shark
Dive into the enigmatic world of the Megamouth Shark (Megachasma pelagios), a creature that roams the depths of the ocean, far from the prying eyes of the casual observer. This rare species was discovered relatively recently, in 1976, and has since fascinated scientists and ocean enthusiasts alike. With its massive mouth and peculiar feeding habits, the Megamouth Shark represents one of the ocean’s most intriguing mysteries. Unlike its more famous counterparts like the Great White or the Hammerhead, this gentle giant leads a discreet life, coming to the surface only at night to feed. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of this elusive creature, exploring its habitat, diet, and unique characteristics.
Habitat and Distribution
Deep-Sea Dwelling
The Megamouth Shark is a pelagic species, preferring the open ocean’s twilight zone, depths ranging from 150 to 1,000 meters. This shark’s habitat spans across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, indicating a wide but sparse distribution. Its preference for deep waters makes encounters with this species a rare event, contributing to its mysterious reputation among marine biologists.
Global Sightings
Despite its elusive nature, there have been recorded sightings and captures that shed light on the Megamouth’s global presence. From the coasts of Japan to the deep waters off California and even the Indonesian archipelago, this shark’s sightings confirm its widespread but infrequent presence, challenging researchers to piece together the puzzle of its migratory patterns and habitat preferences.
Anatomy and Physiology
Gigantic Mouth and Filter Feeding
The Megamouth Shark’s most distinctive feature is its enormous mouth, equipped with small, bioluminescent photophores that may aid in attracting plankton. Unlike its more aggressive relatives, the Megamouth is a filter feeder, swimming with its vast mouth open to collect plankton, jellyfish, and small fish. This feeding mechanism is reminiscent of the baleen whales, highlighting a fascinating example of convergent evolution.
Unique Adaptations
With a soft, flabby body and a distinctly large head, the Megamouth Shark’s anatomy is perfectly adapted to its deep-sea lifestyle. Its liver, filled with low-density oils and hydrocarbons, aids in buoyancy, allowing it to drift effortlessly through the ocean depths. The shark’s skin, a deep blue to black color, camouflages it in the dark waters, protecting it from potential predators and allowing it to be an efficient, albeit slow, predator.
Behavior and Ecology
Nocturnal Vertical Migration
One of the most captivating behaviors of the Megamouth Shark is its nocturnal vertical migration. During the day, it remains in the deep, only to ascend closer to the surface at night to feed. This diel movement pattern is common among deep-sea creatures, allowing them to exploit rich food resources in the upper layers under the cover of darkness.
Solitary Existence
Megamouth Sharks are predominantly solitary animals, with very little known about their social structure or breeding habits. The rarity of sightings and captures has made it challenging for scientists to determine their exact lifespan, reproductive rates, or any form of social interaction. Each Megamouth Shark seems to roam the ocean on its own, a solitary wanderer of the deep.
Conclusion
The Megamouth Shark remains one of the ocean’s most enigmatic creatures, a reminder of how much is still unknown about the marine world. With every sighting and every bit of new research, we inch closer to understanding this gentle giant’s place in the ocean’s complex ecosystem. As research continues, the Megamouth Shark will undoubtedly continue to fascinate and surprise us, a symbol of the mysteries that lie beneath the waves.
FAQs about Megamouth Shark
What does the Megamouth Shark eat?
The Megamouth Shark is a filter feeder, primarily consuming plankton, krill, and small fish. It swims with its mouth wide open, filtering food from the water as it moves.
How big can a Megamouth Shark get?
Megamouth Sharks can reach lengths of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet). Their size, combined with their distinctive large mouths, makes them one of the most unique shark species.
How often are Megamouth Sharks seen?
Megamouth Sharks are extremely rare, with only a few confirmed sightings and captures since their discovery in 1976. Their deep-sea habitat and nocturnal habits contribute to their elusive nature.
Where do Megamouth Sharks live?
They inhabit deep waters in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, often found at depths between 150 and 1,000 meters. Their distribution is global but sparse.
Are Megamouth Sharks dangerous to humans?
No, Megamouth Sharks pose no threat to humans. They are filter feeders with no known aggressive behavior towards humans, focusing their diet on plankton and small marine organisms.
