An extraordinary discovery on Italy’s Island of Elba captured the imagination of marine biologists. In the summer of 2001, an angular rough shark, endearingly known as the “Pig Fish,” washed ashore. This elusive species, Oxynotus centrina, typically inhabits deep-sea environments, making such an encounter exceptionally rare.
The angular roughshark’s appearance is notably unique. It has a broad, flattened head and a blunt, pinkish snout resembling that of a pig, hence its whimsical nickname. Its rough, sandpaper-like skin and angular body further distinguish it from typical deep-dwelling denizens.
Marine biologists recognize these features as critical identifiers, but for the uninitiated, the shark’s pig-like snout captivates the most. When hauled from the water, the shark emits a low grunting noise akin to a pig’s grunt, solidifying its moniker in marine curiosities.
Typically residing in the deep waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the angular rough shark spans from Norway’s cold waters to South Africa’s warmer currents. These sharks dwell at significant depths, between 200 and 2,300 feet, and grow to about three feet in length. Their diet consists of crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish, indicative of their specialized ecological niche.
The angular roughshark’s distinctive features include wide-set eyes, a broad, flattened head, and a pinkish snout, giving it a decidedly pig-like appearance. Moreover, the shark’s two massive, pointed dorsal fins and rough, denticle-covered skin further set it apart from its marine counterparts.
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