[inspic=39,right,,0]A new type of hammerhead shark has been discovered in the north-western Atlantic Ocean.
The shark resembles a common scalloped hammerhead, but genetic studies have discovered that it is "cryptic" – that is, "genetically distinct" from the common scalloped species.
The yet to be classified or named shark, breed only in waters off South Carolina, although adults appear to swim into waters off Florida and North Carolina. Scientists plan to tag the shark so they can understand more about its range.
Ali Hood, director of conservation at the Shark Trust in the UK, said with only 454 recorded species of shark in the wild, it was exciting to discover another one.
Related Links:
Shark Trust
New shark discovered in US waters
