A brand-new shark species, the Indian bramble shark (Echinorhinus roinee), has just been identified from specimens collected in the Indian Ocean.
Researchers from India's top marine institutes made the discovery after spotting its unique features: think bigger eyes and bigger pelvic fins compared with its Atlantic cousins.
The news was officially announced today, November 12, 2026.
Genetic tests confirm distinct species
Genetic tests proved this shark is truly one-of-a-kind, clearing up years of confusion with similar species.
These deep-sea sharks can grow up to three meters long and were brought ashore as accidental catches by deep-sea shrimp trawlers at Sakthikulangara Fishing Harbour in Kollam, Kerala.
Interestingly, scientists believe their range might stretch all the way to Oman, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, so there could be more surprises out there!