Rare Shark Species Astounds Fishermen

January 16, 2008

Release from: New Straits Times (Malaysia)

BUTTERWORTH: Fishermen in Kuala Sungai Abdul, Teluk Air Tawar here landed a rare catch yesterday when they caught a yu belangkas, or slender bamboo shark -- a rare shark species which can only be found in deep sea waters. The shark's head resembles a stingray while its tail has the normal shape of the sea predator.

Fisherman Shahrom Johan, 29, said the shark was found near the Teluk Bahang waters.

"I thought it was a piece of floating wood but was shocked to see such a weird creature when I got closer to it."

He said the shark seemed to be in bad shape as there was a cut on its right eye, believed to be inflicted by a fishing boat's propeller.

The shark, which measured 1.4m and weighed 21kg, died shortly after it was caught.

The news of the rare catch attracted curious onlookers who wanted to see the fish.

The carcass of the fish was later discarded into the sea.