Austrian media report rare fox shark sighting off Croatian coast

A rare sighting of a fox shark has occurred off the coast of Pula, Croatia, near Verudela. The shark, identified as likely belonging to the species Alopias vulpinus, was observed approximately 40 meters from shore. The individual who spotted it sent a photograph to the Aquarium Pula for identification, which confirmed the presence of the species' characteristic elongated upper tail lobe.

Aquarium Pula explained that the fox shark uses its powerful tail to stun small fish, such as sardines and anchovies, which form its primary diet. The observed shark was reportedly using its tail in this manner when sighted. This species can reach impressive lengths of up to six meters and weigh around 340 kilograms, with the tail and rear body of the Pula specimen estimated to be about three meters long.

Fox sharks primarily inhabit warmer, open waters of the Adriatic Sea, approaching coastal areas only occasionally, making this sighting particularly noteworthy. The species is strictly protected and listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, indicating a heightened risk of extinction. Despite their formidable size, fox sharks are known for their calm nature, avoidance of human contact, and relatively small teeth, leading experts to consider them harmless to people.

The rare encounter has also garnered attention from Austrian media, with the publication Heute reporting on the sighting. Like the Croatian sources, Austrian reports highlighted the shark's potential size, protected status, and harmless nature. While generally rare in the Adriatic, there have been isolated incidents in recent years, including a reported bite on a fisherman in the Gulf of Trieste, Italy, two years prior, and a similar encounter by a young angler near Lignano a year before that.