Frilled sharks are found scattered in cool, deep water around the world. They tend to inhabit areas where deep water moves upwards; called “upwellings,” these areas stimulate the growth and reproduction of plankton and fish. Frilled sharks almost never visit the surface and are very rarely seen by humans. Most of the known specimens have come from Japanese waters.The frilled shark is so unique that scientists place it in its own family. And though they are usually categorized in the same order as cowsharks (Hexanchiformes), some scientists say the frilled sharks should have a separate order as well.In January 2007, a Japanese fisherman spotted this unusual creature near the water’s surface. It’s unclear why this deep sea shark came to the surface, but it’s possible that it was sick. After it was captured, it was brought to Japan’s Awashima Marine Park. Its last hours of life were caught on camera.
