Rare 'Cow shark' dies in Bohol

A blunt nose six-gill shark died on the shore of Garcia Hernandez town in Bohol province on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. PHOTO BY Zeny Marie Cagulada

The shark, identified as Bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus)  was spotted by  residents  past 8 a.m. on Sunday in Barangay West Canayaon in Garcia Hernandez town, Bohol.

Resident Zeny Marie Cagulada said the shark was very weak. It died before it was turned over to the local agriculture office. 

PO2 Kim Virador of Garcia Hernandez Police Station said the shark measured 10 feet and 3 inches and weighed 200 kilos.

No major wounds were observed on the shark, he said. 

It was later buried to avoid health issues.

The bluntnose sixgill shark, often simply called the cow shark, is a primitive shark (genus Hexanchus) belonging to the Hexanchidae family. 

These deep-water predators are distinguished by the following features: they have six pairs of long gill slits on each side of their broad head, comb-like, yellow lower teeth, and a long tail. They have small florescent green-blue eyes.

According to researchers, the biology and habits of this species are not well known, because of its deep-water lifestyle.

It is also listed as "near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.  — BAP, GMA News