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Rare ‘Sofa Shark’ Found Off Scottish Coast

Certain breeds of shark, like the unfortunately-named false catshark, don’t like to show their faces. This is largely due to the fact that the false catshark is a ground shark, meaning that it resides deep on the ocean floor… but, if you take a look at the creature, you’ll find you can’t blame them for keeping a low profile. Like many ground sharks, the false catshark displays a billowy, snakelike body and a flattened, bulbous head.

Still, what these sharks lack in looks, they make up for in fascinating and bizarre habits. CNET reports that false catshark embryos actively consume other eggs while still in the womb, and the shark’s low standards for cuisine continue into adulthood: false catsharks have been known to eat tin cans, plastic, and even fruit. According to UPI, this bottom-feeder hasn’t been seen in the wild in over a decade, much less in Scottish waters. Perhaps drawn by some interesting refuse on the ocean floor?

Their odd diet aside, false catsharks do win the prize for comical nicknames. They’re also known as ‘sofa sharks,’ thanks to the fact that they resemble a hybrid of a blobfish and a futon. Impressively enough, the false catshark can live up to 6,200 feet below the ocean surface, where no one judges their odd appearance.

The false catshark is also known as a ‘sofa shark,’ thanks to its billowy, bloated appearance.

While it’s easy enough to make fun of the sofa shark while safe on land, it should be noted that these sharks can grow up to 10 feet in length – this particular specimen measured in at a little over 6 feet long, and weighed a hefty 132 lbs.

The find is the latest in a line of fascinating shark discoveries, as scientists utilize cutting edge underwater cameras and deep-sea diving equipment to survey wildlife like never before.

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