Inflatable Shark Discovered in the Philippines

An "inflatable shark" and more than 300 other sea creatures were discovered in a dive off the Philippines.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on June 27 2011

Have you ever heard of an inflatable shark? No, we’re not talking about your daughter’s pool toy: a camouflage-colored shark that swells up with water to appear large and scare off predators was just discovered in the waters off of the Philippines’ Luzon Island by researchers from California Academy of Sciences, University of the Philippines and the National Museum of the Philippines.

The strange shark wasn’t the only exotic creature spotted on the researchers’ 42-day expedition: The trip turned up a treasure trove of more than 300 bizarre species that have never been seen before, including insects, spiders, sea slugs, and armored corals.

The journey wasn’t easy. The researchers battled a typhoon, and one unlucky scientist came in contact with a venomous lionfish and poisonous plants all in the same day. But despite the difficulties they faced, the scientists all agree that the value of their findings far outweighed any mishaps.

The researchers also believe that the Philippines “is one of the hottest of the hotspots for diverse and threatened life on Earth,” said researcher Terrence Gosliner of the California Academy of Sciences. “We found new species during nearly every dive and hike as we surveyed the country’s reefs, rainforests and the ocean floor.”

After presenting their bizarre and beautiful animal findings, the researchers will work with local Filipino groups to advocate for conservation measures to protect the many unique species harbored in the waters.

“We are hoping the findings will result in recommendations that will translate into policies that will produce a more sustainable future for Filipinos while simultaneously protecting the unique biodiversity,” Gosliner said.

Check out a photo gallery of some of the creatures found here.

Filed under: Animals and Pets, Science, Weird,

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