In the depths of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans swim tiburo hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo))a speciesspecies of sharks that were thought to be unique. Short stature, narrow head, diet omnivoreomnivore (even with a penchant for seagrass!). But the scientists were wrong. Another species has always been hiding among them: Sphyrna alleni.
A shark named in homage to Paul Allen
The study published in the journal Zootaxa reveals that suspicions emerged after an in-depth analysis of 23 tiburo hammerhead sharks. Five researchers from Florida International University (FIU) noticed notable differences in vertebrae and markers geneticsgenetics of certain specimens, leading to the identification of a new species, named Sphyrna alleni. This name pays homage to Paul Allen, co-founder of MicrosoftMicrosoftwhose foundation has supported various projects involving sharks and rays. As for his nickname, “ Shovelbill ”, which means in French “ becbec of shovel”, it is inspired by the inhabitants of Belize, where the specimen was discovered.
While thought to be unique, this discovery now splits the western Atlantic population of hammerhead sharks into two distinct species. The specific richness of marine biodiversity continues to surprise us!
