Megamouth Shark: The Mysterious Giant of the Deep
The megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios) is a rare and fascinating deepwater shark species, first discovered in 1976. Growing up to 8–9 meters (26–30 feet) long, it is one of the three filter-feeding sharks, alongside the whale shark and basking shark. Unlike its relatives, the megamouth is known for its soft, flabby body, rubbery lips, and a distinctive glowing white band on its upper jaw, which may help lure plankton, its primary food source.
This gentle giant is a poor swimmer, often ascending to shallower waters at night to follow plankton migrations, a behavior known as diel vertical migration. With fewer than 300 confirmed sightings globally, the megamouth remains one of the ocean’s most elusive creatures, sparking curiosity and awe among scientists and marine enthusiasts alike.
