An odd object was discovered earlier this week by a fisherman off the coast of Cabo, Mᴇxɪᴄᴏ. The images show a pink and wʜɪᴛe creature with large, bulging bellies and alien-like eyes, sparking online discussion over what it might be.
The ‘alien fish’ is actually a swell shark with abnormal coloration, according to local authorities. The “alien fish” was unveiled on Tuesday by Pisces Sportfishing Fleet after Jaime Rendon, Captain of Dr. Pescado, informed them of the unexpected catch.
The strange swell shark was taken by a client of Rendon about a mile offshore in 370 feet of water. While at first he believed it to be an alien, the creature’s “raspy skin, three rows of tiny fangs, and three gill slits on each side of the head” made it clear that it was most certainly a shark.
The skipper claimed the shark’s oddly shaped, greenish eyes were the most remarkable feature, this is particularly unusual because most sharks have 5-7 gills on each side. The captain thought that it might be ᴇɴᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀed so he decided to release it again into the water where the animal “swam off back down to where it had come from.”
After consulting with experts, the group was able to confirm that the object is a swell shark, Cephaloscyllium ventriosum. Although youngsters are paler, these sharks are typically a yellowish-brown color with dark splotches. This particular specimen’s pink color indicates that the shark is likely albino or leucistic, which means it is completely or partially colorless.
The shark was taken near Cabo, and among other traits, its alien-like eyes give away its identification because swell sharks are known to have huge, oval-shaped eyes. From Central California all the way down to Central Cʜɪʟᴇ, these sharks can be found in subtropical seas.