Rare Smalltooth Tiger Shark Found Washed Up on Beach Baffles Experts in Irish Village of Kilmore Quay in Wexford
A 4.3-meter (14ft) smalltooth tiger shark washed up on the beach in Kilmore Quay, County Wexford. This incident marks it the first time the species has been recorded in Ireland.
Swiss tourists found the washed-up shark first and later contacted Assistant Professor Nicholas Payne from Trinity College in Dublin to examine it.
The smalltooth tiger shark is supposed to be a deep-water species that is rarely encountered by humans and is typically found in tropical and warm temperate waters.
The shark's size is unique, and scientists will take samples to understand its cause of death.
Scientists will study the samples to know more about the shark's biology and behavior, including its diet.
The first-time discovery of the smalltooth tiger shark on Irish shores is an opportunity to learn more about the species.
Two incidents of smalltooth tiger sharks washing up on northern shores have occurred within two weeks, which experts say is "very strange" and "a little concerning."
Smalltooth sand tiger sharks are considered "vulnerable" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and may face threats such as bycatch.
The shark is not considered a threat to humans.
MORE STORIES