Rare discovery found inside shark hooked off Aussie coast
Video transcript
A surprising discovery has been made inside the body of a shark hooked at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, using a microscope to examine the dead Australian sharp-nosed shark, researchers from CQ University identified a rare parasitic worm, previously unknown to science inside its gills.
Lead researcher Doctor David Vaughan explained the new species, Loimus everingami is the first of its kind to be described in Oceania.
The parasite needs the shark to survive, and the species doesn't cause any harm to its host as long as numbers stay low.
The worm lives in the shark's gills for its adult life, feeding on skin and mucus.
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The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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