Researchers from the University of Western Australia have captured rare footage of a Pacific sleeper shark in the Tonga Trench, the world’s second-deepest marine trench.
In September 2024, a camera deployed at a depth of approximately 1,400 meters recorded a female sleeper shark interacting with the equipment. The shark, estimated to be 3.5 meters long, initially bit the camera before consuming bait attached to it.
Dr. Jessica Kolbusz, Oceanographer & Chief Scientist, noted, “Due to the lack of observable claspers on the pelvic fins, we’ve identified it as female.”
Pacific sleeper sharks are deep-sea predators known to inhabit cold waters, typically at depths ranging from 200 to 2,000 meters. They can grow up to 4.4 meters in length, with some reports suggesting they may reach over 7 meters.
Encounters with these elusive sharks are infrequent due to their deep-sea habitat. The recent footage provides valuable insights into their behavior and distribution, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, where sightings are uncommon.
The Tonga Trench, located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, is the deepest trench in the Southern Hemisphere, making this observation significant for marine research.