New shark species named after famous 'Shark Lady'

A newly discovered species of shark has been named after Eugenie Clark, an American ichthyologist and pioneer in the use of SCUBA equipment to conduct scientific research, who inspired generations of marine biologists with her efforts. The adorable little guy, with his distinctive large eyes, now functions under the name Squalus clarkae, as well as Genie’s dogfish.

Those familiar with the subject know that there are few people who have done more to build a positive and real image of sharks than Eugenie Clark, nicknamed The Shark Lady. So it should come as no surprise that this remarkable figure has received this kind of tribute, from a younger generation of researchers.

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Among her many scientific achievements, Clark discovered several new species of fish, and proved that some shark species do not need to swim in order to breathe. She also conducted some of the first research into shark behaviour, showing that they are more than just mindless killing machines.

Eugenie Clark was the founder of the Mote Marine laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, and was one of the original members of the American Elasmobranch Society, supporting shark and ray research. During her career, Clark received numerous awards and accolades, including a prestigious Emmy Award in 1996, for her underwater films.

[blockquote style=”2″]”She is the mother of us all. She was not only the first female biologist to work on sharks, she was one of the first people to do shark research at all.” – Florida Institute of Technology biologist Toby Daly-Engel, co-author of the new study, said in a statement.[/blockquote]

The new shark, christened Squalus clarkae, belongs to the crimson family. They all look similar. These small creatures, which live in the deep sea, are characterised by slow reproduction and low genetic diversity, making them extremely difficult to study. Previously, marine biologists mistakenly identified this species with another type of Squalus mitsukurii. Genetic tests and careful analysis of physical characteristics have revealed that this is a distinct species, deserving of its own name.

Genie’s dogfish can be found in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic Ocean. Compared to other fish, its distinguishing features include a longer body, a tighter gap between the eyes, a shorter caudal fin and a different first dorsal fin.

Source: gizmodo.com
Photo: MarAlliance

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