First Goblin Shark Seen in the Mediterranean Sea Was Just a Toy Replica, Embarrassing Scientists

A group of marine biologists announced the finding of a goblin shark that had washed up on a Greek beach last year. Their publication of the discovery in the journal Mediterranean Marine Science sparked a chain of events nearly as odd as the goblin shark itself.

After their study was published, it created controversy involving rival scientific narratives, retraction, and the possibility that all of the commotion was over a children's plastic toy that resembles a goblin shark.

Controversy Over First Goblin Shark in the Mediterranean Sea

Several specialists remarked that the creature portrayed did not have enough gills, had improperly shaped fins, and displayed 'unnatural rigidity.' The photo has been removed completely from their report as its authors admitted that the available information was not enough to support their claim.

Last November, four scientists released a formal comment to dispute the evidence in the original article. According to MailOnline, the scientists wrote that their examination and analysis of the morphological characteristics of M. owstoni reveal some doubts about the authenticity of the image provided to support the record.

Some of their 10-point contentions include the fact that the specimen in the photo seems to be missing teeth and appeared to only have four gills. More so, they pointed out that it appeared to be in an unnatural state and its distinct large teeth are nowhere to be seen. Overall, they think the specimen shows unnatural stiffness compared to the soft bodies of real goblin shark specimens.

Although their comments doubt the image, they did not specifically refer to accusations that it could be a plastic goblin shark replica. On the other hand, some social media users have posted a side-by-side photo of the goblin shark found on the Greek beach and a replica from Italian manufacturer DeAgostini.

This January, the three scientists from the University of Patras in Greece and the University of Aberdeen in Scotland involved in publishing the image revised their paper and said that the shark was likely around seven inches (18 cm) long instead of 31 inches (80 cm).

They added that, given its size, the specimen was likely an embryo and the differences from other specimens were the result of deformities.

However, scientists still did not accept these explanations, and they removed and revised their explanation altogether. Dr. Frithjof Küpper, one of the authors of the report, doubled down on his claim that the specimen in the picture was real to The Daily Beast. He said that they decided to retract the article after being met with controversy and to avoid further damage.

About Goblin Sharks

Goblin sharks are a type of fish that lives at the ocean's bottom along continental shelves, according to National Geographic. These pink creatures may grow to be 12 feet long and 460 pounds. They have long, thin snouts with fang-like teeth. They got their name from the mythological goblins of Japanese folklore where they are largely found.

Scientists know very little about the behavior of these seldom-encountered creatures. Nonetheless, they assume that goblin sharks, like many other shark species, are solitary. They also believe the fish are most active in the early morning and late evening.

These animals are most likely slow, which makes chasing food difficult. Fortunately for the slowpokes, their distinctive extending jaws provide them with more bite. They extend the elastic tissue out of their mouth to nab their prey.

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