Monster Pregnant Deep-Sea ‘Dragon’ Shark Washes Up on Beach
- A Portuguese shark has sparked excitement after washing up on the beach in Spain(Image: Jam Press)
- A bizarre looking deep-sea 'dragon' shark has left onlookers stunned after washing up on a tourist beach.The body of the pregnant Portuguese shark, which is normally found 3,500m...
- Veterinarian Luis Sastre, who conducted the post-mortem examination, initially found no obvious cause of death.
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Locals have likened the shark that washed up on the Spanish beach to popular characters from the How To Train Yoru Dragon species - but experts say it appears to have met a tragic end
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A bizarre looking deep-sea ‘dragon’ shark has left onlookers stunned after washing up on a tourist beach.The body of the pregnant Portuguese shark, which is normally found 3,500m under the sea, weighed 40lbs (18kg) – and measured an amazing 4ft 8in (1.45m) in length.It washed up on Luarca Beach, located west of Gijón, north-western Unusual Shark Stranding in Gran Canaria, Spain – Inquiry Ongoing (january 14, 2026)
The recent stranding of a deep-sea shark, resembling a dragon, on a beach in Gran Canaria, Spain, has sparked public interest and a veterinary investigation. Initial reports from January 13, 2026, suggest the shark’s death might potentially be linked to accidental capture by fishing gear, though a definitive cause remains undetermined. This report details the findings as of today, January 14, 2026, based on verified sources.The Stranding and Initial Observations
The shark was discovered on a beach in Gran Canaria, Spain. Veterinarian Luis Sastre, who conducted the post-mortem examination, initially found no obvious cause of death. Reports indicate the shark exhibited bleeding in its mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
Reproductive State and Organ Analysis
A notable finding during the examination was the shark’s reproductive state. Sastre discovered 12 large eggs (7cm in diameter) containing developing embryos, and an additional nine undeveloped eggs averaging 1cm in length. The shark’s liver was unusually large, weighing 5kg – 27.78% of its total body weight of 18kg. The digestive tract was empty, with no food remains detected in the spiral valve.
Suspected Cause of Death: Accidental Capture
The key finding pointing towards accidental capture was a 3.5-cm tear in the shark’s esophagus. Veterinarian Sastre believes this injury was likely caused by a fishing hook, possibly from a longline, which the shark managed to expel, but not before inflicting fatal damage through tearing and hemorrhaging. The Mirror reports this as the leading hypothesis.
Species Identification & Public Reaction
The species of the shark has not been definitively confirmed in official reports as of January 14, 2026.However, its unusual appearance, especially its eyes, has drawn comparisons to the characters Toothless and Shadow from the How to Train Your Dragon franchise by social media users.
Gran Canaria and Marine Wildlife
Gran canaria, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a popular tourist destination with a diverse marine ecosystem. The Government of the Canary Islands – Department of Environment monitors marine wildlife and investigates strandings. Further investigation into fishing practices in the area may be warranted following this incident.
Status: as of January 14, 2026, the investigation into the shark’s death is ongoing. No further updates have been released by official sources beyond the initial findings reported in the media.