The shark can live for a long time in cold waters. Researchers are rethinking how widespread the marine species could be.
ARI SHAPIRO is the host.
An ancient giant was found in the tropics. One of the researchers who pulled it up joined us. A graduate student at Florida International University is speaking with us from the Caribbean. All things considered, welcome.
You took the time to speak with me today.
When you were out on the water, you found something that wasn't a tiger shark. What was it?
As we looked out into the water, we saw a shadow that was larger and larger. It was weird looking. We didn't know what it was right away. We found out that it was a member of a family of sharks that we call the sleeper sharks. The most common shark in that family is the Greenland shark. The literature that exists is more common for the higher latitude regions because they are found in cold surface waters and so they are easy to find.
You said that it looked really old. The species can live for a long time. What is the appearance of an old shark? They do not have grey hair. Are they old? I don't know what it looks like when a shark is older.
It's hard to explain, honestly, but I looked at it, and I thought, yes, this could have existed in the time when dinosaurs were a thing. It wasn't very fast. It was very slow on the surface, which is a trait of that species.
They can live to be 500 years old. It's amazing to think that this could have been a part of the voyage. What did you think about the giant creature?
When you think about it like that, it's crazy. It was both confused and surprised. It was exciting to be a part of something that could potentially lead to more research and protection for the species in this area.
What is the significance of finding this type of shark in shallow waters in the tropics off the coast of Belize?
There are reports of these species being found more often in the higher latitudes where the water is very cold. They hypothesised that because of the temperature preference of this species, they could be found throughout the globe, but only in the higher latitudes or in the polar regions. They were deeper down in the water column as you went closer to the equator. It's the first record of something to support the hypothesis from the Western Caribbean.
You're studying tiger sharks for your PhD. Is the discovery of a completely unrelated species going to affect your career path?
I'm very grateful for having had this experience, but as a researcher, I always want my science to speak for my work and myself. I hope this exposure is beneficial, but at the same time, I will keep doing the work that I do.
You will stick with the predator.
If you're asking me if I'm going to change my study species, no, I'm not, because what are the chances of me finding another one? I'm not sure. I might as well purchase a lottery ticket.
It's right, Sharon. A graduate student at Florida International University talks about the discovery of a shark in the tropics. You shared your story with us and we appreciated it.
I would like to thank you for having me.
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