Alien-looking viper sharks found in Taiwan - TomoNews

TAITUNG, TAIWAN — Scientists recently discovered a rare species of shark that resemble aliens off the coast of Taiwan.

Scientists from Taiwan's Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) caught five of the mysterious creatures off the coast of Taitung County's Donghe Township.

First identified off the coast of Japan in 1986, viper sharks, or Trigonognathus[b] kabeyai, have only been found off the coasts of Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan.

Its Latin name refers to the shark's triangular, forward-extending jaws, and glowing markings on the shark's body. It isn't known if the markings are meant for communication or for attracting prey.