A RARE SHARK.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18237, 22 November 1924, Page 2

A RARE SHARK.

WELLINGTON FISHERMEN'S HAUL. (special to "thk raiss.") WELLINGTON, November 21. Excitement, says the "Post," was caused at Oriental Bay tins morning when fishermen, who were hauling ia theiS net discovered, that they had caught a large shark and its pilot fish. The shark fought for its freedom and snapped viciously at its captors, but it was gradually dragged ashore and then put out of action. The net had been set about 120 yards from the shore in. water about 7ft deep with a view to securing small fish for* bait but, influenced no doubt by the presence of the sharlc, the „ smaller fry kept well out of the way, and the whole proceeds of the haul-in were represented by the shark and its pilot fish. The shark, which was 9ft _ Gin long, was acquired by the authorities of the Dominion Museum, and turns out to be a rare specimen. It is what is known as a seven-gilled shark; and is tinged all over with red, thus differing from the general run of shark colour schemes. The seven-gilled shark is of a species which is very rarely taken, and that captured in Oriental Bay this morning is the fourth specimen so far recorded <for New Zealand. One , such shark was caught off Hokitika on May 3rd, 1877, and the Otago University Museum possesses a specimen. In addition to its seven gills, thiß particular type of shark has another distinctive feature, in that each of its inch long teeth has seven sharp -points. Such serrated teeth as these were formerly highly prized by the Maoris for use as knives. • The shark will be opened up tomorrow, and will be preserved in a tank of spirits until such time as arrangements can be made to have it mounted arid placed on permanent exhibition in the Dominion Museum;.