New demon catshark species discovered off coast of Western Australia

May 13, 2023 8:49 PM

New demon catshark species discovered off coast of Western Australia. The senior curator of the CSIRO's Australian National Fish Collection, Will White, said the creature's distinctive white iris was a rare feature for deepwater sharks. "Normally, they're always very dark — either dark green or just black eyes," he said. "It has been found only in one other deepwater shark species — a member of a closely related species from New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea." Dr White said the characteristic could help to establish links between similar species. The shark, which lives hundreds of metres below the ocean's surface, is seldom seen.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries (12 comments total)

Demon Catshark is a badass name
posted by Windopaene at 9:07 PM on May 13, 2023 [9 favorites]

+1 to what @Windopaene said. this shark looks the part too!
posted by tamarack at 10:34 PM on May 13, 2023

Y'know the thing about a shark, he's got... lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll's eyes. 'Cept for that demon catshark, who knows what the fuck's up with that.
posted by Halloween Jack at 10:58 PM on May 13, 2023 [2 favorites]

I’d be seldom seen, too, if people had called me “Demon Catshark.” Why not “Prettyeyes Shark?”
posted by GenjiandProust at 4:37 AM on May 14, 2023 [2 favorites]

Demon Catshark is a badass name

Indeed. I came here late to something similar -- To wit:

Catshark itself is a wonderful name.

It is very evocative.
posted by y2karl at 4:45 AM on May 14, 2023

I have no idea how these people got their catsharks wedged into their scanners.
posted by stevil at 8:21 AM on May 14, 2023 [1 favorite]

Why are shark eggs so terrifying looking
posted by capnsue at 8:35 AM on May 14, 2023

Demon catshark, demon catshark,
What are they feeding you?
Demon catshark, demon catshark,
It’s not your fault.
posted by darkstar at 9:08 AM on May 14, 2023 [1 favorite]

Needs more rhyme.
posted by y2karl at 10:36 AM on May 14, 2023

Mister Human. I find that whimsical. Cool shark
posted by davidmsc at 11:01 AM on May 14, 2023

Most sharks: we have spooky black eyes
Catsharks: we have spooky eyes and a great name
Demon Catshark: heh
posted by winesong at 11:15 AM on May 14, 2023 [1 favorite]

Mister Human. I find that whimsical. Cool shark

You could write a song. Like, to the melody of The Capitols -- Cool Jerk.
posted by y2karl at 3:22 PM on May 14, 2023