Fishermen and scientists in the Mediterranean have recently encountered one of the ocean’s most unusual inhabitants: the Angular Roughshark, often nicknamed the “Pig-Faced Shark.” With its blunt snout, large eyes, and a skin texture that looks like it’s made of sandpaper, the creature looks more like a cartoon character than a predatory shark. Despite its bizarre appearance, it is a perfectly adapted member of the deep-sea community

The Angular Roughshark (Oxynotus centrina) lives at depths of several hundred meters, where it feeds on small crustaceans and mollusks. Its “pig-like” face is actually a result of its specialized sensory organs, which it uses to detect prey in the dark, silty waters of the sea floor. Unlike its more famous cousins, this shark is a slow-moving, non-aggressive species that is rarely seen by humans.

Recent photos of the shark on the decks of research vessels have gone viral, with many commenters mistaking it for a “mutant” or a “hoax.” In reality, the species is currently listed as “Endangered” due to accidental bycatch in deep-sea trawling nets. These rare encounters provide scientists with vital data on the shark’s population and health, which is essential for creating effective marine protected areas.

The “Pig-Faced Shark” is a testament to the incredible diversity of life in our oceans. It reminds us that “beauty” in nature is defined by functionality and survival, not by human aesthetics. As we continue to explore the depths, we are likely to find even more “bizarre” creatures that challenge our understanding of what a shark can—and should—look like.