This species was discovered in 1976 and its specimens are rarely observed
Two largemouth sharks (Megachasma pelagios), estimated to be 3.7-4.6m in size, were observed swimming together near the surface about 39km off the coast of San Diego, California, USA. The unexpected sighting, recorded on video by recreational fishermen, was the first record of two specimens of this species swimming together.
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What would you do IF you saw a #Megamouth #Shark? How about 2? @annierothnews @frable @findingdovi @factskelton @willwhitesharks @podLewin @SharkRayAreas @saveourseas @CabrilloAqua @CSULBsharklab @SharkWeek pic.twitter.com/DRtu5NL4XT
— LostSharkGuy (@lostsharksguy) March 17, 2023
To date, only five free-swimming individuals have been scientifically recorded, and all solitary. The finding is public recently in Environmental Biology of Fishes by US shark biologists.
‘Widemouth’ sharks are pelagic sharks (living in deep water near the surface) discovered in 1976 and rarely seen. Despite being one of the largest fish in existence, little is known about its biology.
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There have only been a total of 273 confirmed sightings of this species. The images of this encounter provided a new perspective on the social behavior of this species. The rapid transmission of the sighting via social media allowed the scientists to quickly contact the fishermen and analyze the compiled photos and video recordings.