By Belize Live News Staff: In a groundbreaking discovery, a new species of hammerhead shark has been identified in the waters off Belize. Anglers from Robinson Point and Riversdale Village unknowingly caught several of the sharks between 2016 and 2019, handing them over to researchers for further investigation. Following years of study, scientists have now confirmed the existence of the species Sphyrna alleni, also known as the shovelbill shark.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa on September 23, revealed that these sharks had previously been misidentified as another hammerhead species. However, detailed analysis of their skeletons, body structure, and DNA uncovered significant differences, marking them as a new species.
Shovelbill sharks are relatively small, measuring around 3 feet 4 inches in length, with distinctive “shovel-shaped” heads, slender bodies, and sharp teeth. Their coloration ranges from gray-brown on the upper body to creamy white underneath. They inhabit coastal waters, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and estuaries, extending from Belize down to Brazil.
Despite their newly discovered status, the sharks are frequently caught by anglers, which has raised concerns among researchers. They may be highly threatened due to their coastal habitat and frequent encounters with fishing activities.
The species was named Sphyrna alleni in honor of Paul G. Allen, the late co-founder of Microsoft, who supported shark conservation efforts. The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation was instrumental in funding the research that led to this discovery.
This scientific breakthrough was made possible by a team of researchers, including Cindy Gonzalez, Bautisse Postaire, William Driggers, Susana Caballero, and Demian Chapman. Their work highlights Belize’s significant role in marine biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
Photo credit: Cindy Gonzalez
