A photograph was taken of a strange creature that appeared in the waters of Mersey. What’s strange about creature is its profile as it emerged from the water just in time for Mark Harrison to snap a quick photo. At first glance the creature looks reptilian, like the jaws of a dinosaur poking out the waters.
According to Paul Renolds from the Blue Plant Aquarium, this “monster” could just be a basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus).
Paul Renolds, from the Blue Planet Aquarium, who studied the photos, said: “It is virtually impossible to actually identify, but this is the time of year when large numbers of basking sharks, the second largest shark species in the world after whale sharks, head towards waters off the Isle of Man.”
He added: “If it is not a basking shark, it could be a smaller species of whale or a dolphin because there are around 23 different species in UK waters.”
I think Mr. Renolds is right. If you look at the profile closely, it’s a basking shark feeding. Below is an image of a basking shark, notice the similarities of the jaw:
Full source: Liverpool echo
13 commentsA MYSTERY sea creature spotted in the Mersey has experts baffled.
The “monster” was snapped off Seacombe Ferry at 9am yesterday by photographer Mark Harrison.
Paul Renolds, from the Blue Planet Aquarium, who studied the photos, said: “It is virtually impossible to actually identify, but this is the time of year when large numbers of basking sharks, the second largest shark species in the world after whale sharks, head towards waters off the Isle of Man.”
He added: “If it is not a basking shark, it could be a smaller species of whale or a dolphin because there are around 23 different species in UK waters.”
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