Sharkman's World
To Save & Protect Sharks
The Megamouth Shark
(Megachasma pelagios)
Date: 15th November 1976
Location: Approx. 25 miles off the coast Oahu, Hawaii
Mission: A U.S. Navy Ship has orders to search and recover
lost "Dummy" Torpedoes.
Result: The most exciting Shark discovery
As the Chute like drift anchor was being towed, suddenly something huge caused it to drag down. On reeling it up back to the ship, the crew are amazed to find a huge fish, entangled in a deep-water net.
With a mouth measuring 1 metre wide at the tip of a 4.5 metres long brownish coloured flabby body, it was soon realized that nobody had ever seen this species before!!
It took about 7 years before this species was identified and named as Megachasma pelagios, or as it is better known, The Megamouth Shark.
The First Megamouth Shark discovered
in Hawaii on Nov.15th. 1976
Eight years after the original discovery, a second Male specimen was brought up dead, in a fishing net off the coast of California.
Please note that as much as I try to keep this list up to date, I cannot guarantee that it is exact. Many catches are not being reported or data not being shared.
301 Megamouth sharks are being listed here.
#1.
15 Nov 76
Oahu, Hawaii, Male. 446cm. 750kg.
Entangled in a chute. On display at Bernice P. Bishop Museum Honolulu, Hawaii.
Photo Photos 2 Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5 Paper 6
#2.
29 Nov 84
Catalina Island, California, USA. Male. 449cm. ~700kg.
Died soon after being discovered caught in a drift gillnet. On display at Los Angeles County Museum.
Photo Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5
#3.
18 Aug 88.
Mandurah, Australia, Male 515cm. 690kg.
Died soon after being found stranded. On display at Western Australia Museum.
Photo Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5 Paper 6 Paper 7
#4.
23 Jan 89
Hamamatsu City, Japan. Male 400+cm.
It was dead when found stranded. This specimen was lost when it was washed back to the sea.
Photo Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4
#5.
12 Jun 89
Suruga Bay, Japan. Female?. 494cm.
Was found in a net and released Alive.
Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3
#6.
21 Oct 90
Dana Point, California, USA. Male. 490cm.
Captured in a drift gillnet. Released alive after 39 hours and Tracked for 50.5 hours.
Photo Video Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4
#7.
29 Nov 94
Gannosu, Hakata Bay, Japan. Female. 471cm. 790kg.
Found stranded on beach. On display at Marine World Fukuoka, Japan.
Photo Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5 Paper 6 Paper 7 Paper 8 Paper 9 Paper 10 Paper 11
#8.
4 May 95
Dakar, Senegal. Male. 180cm.
Discarded
#9.
18 Sept 95
Southern Brazil. Male. 190cm. 24kg.
Caught on a longline. On display at Instituto de Pesca, São Paulo, Brazil.
#10.
30 Apr 97
Owase City, Mikisaki, Mie, Japan. Female. 544cm. 1040kg.
Caught in a purse seine net. Preserved at Toba Aquarium.
Photo Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5 Paper 6 Paper 7
#11.
20 Feb 98
Macajalar Bay, Cagayan de Oro, Macajalar Bay, Philippines. Male. 549cm.
Found in a gill net. Consumed.
Photo Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4
#12.
23 Apr 98
Mihama-cho, Atawa, Mie, Japan. Female. 549cm.
Caught in a set net. Discarded.
#13.
30 Aug 98
Nain, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Female. ca.500cm.
Sighted being attacked by a pod of 3 Sperm Whales and Swam away. Some reports indicate 30 July and a pod of Orcas!
#14.
1 Oct 99
West off San Diego, California, USA. Female. 518cm.
Caught in a gill net. Released Alive.
#15.
19 Oct 01
North West off San Diego, California, USA. Male. 548cm.
Caught in a gill net. Released Alive.
#16.
18 Jan 02
East Indian Ocean. Male 235cm. 120kg.
Found in Tuna purse seine, discarded Dead.
#17.
20 Apr 02
Natures Valley, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Female. ~460cm. 260kg.
Washed Ashore Dead. On display at Port Elisabeth Museum, South Africa.
Photo Photo 2 Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3
#18. 6 Jan 03
Cagayan de Oro, Macajalar Bay, Philippines. Female. 497cm.
Caught in a gill net. Consumed
#19.
26 May 03
Dana Point, California, USA. 610 - 760cm.
Sighting.
#20.
3 Jul 03
Hualien Province, Taiwan. Male. 250cm. 490kg.
Consumed.
#21.
7 Aug 03
Omaezaki, Sizuoka, Japan. Male. 430cm. 460kg.
Found Dead in a purse seine net and kept at Tokai University.
#22.
8 Mar 04
85.37 km from the port of Posorja, (province of Guayas), Ecuador. Male. 420cm. 600kg.
Caught in a gillnet and Consumed.
#23.
13 Mar 04
Gapang Beach, Sumatra, Indonesia. Male 176cm. 13.82kg.
Washed Ashore Dead. On display at LIPI Museum, Chibinong, Jakarta.
Photo More Photos Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3
#24.
19 Apr 04
Tokyo Bay, Ichihara City, Japan. Female. 563cm. 1215kg.
Washed Ashore Dead. Kept on display.
#25.
23 Apr 04
Ajiro, Shizuoka, Japan. Female. ca. 490cm.
Caught in a set net. Discarded.
#26.
04 Nov 04
Namocon Beach, Tigbauan, Iloilo Philippines. Female. 504cm. 1000kg.
Stranded on beach and Died later. Now on display at SEAFDEC Museum.
#27.
23 Jan 05
Kisei cho Nishiki, Mie, Japan. Female. 528cm.
Dead. Captured with a purse seine.
#28.
30 Jan 05
Barangay Agusan, Macajalar Bay, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Female. 417cm. ~1000kg.
Died after being Captured in net.
#29.
25 Apr 05
Hualien, Eastern Taiwan. 630kg.
Caught in a trawl net. Was consumed.
#30.
2 May 05
Hualien, Eastern Taiwan. 580-680kg.
Caught in a trawling net. Was consumed.
#31.
4 May 05
Fengpin, Hualien, Eastern Taiwan. Female. 487cm. 689kg.
Caught in trawling net. Dead. Taken to Research Museum and Academia Sinica.
#32.
5 May 05
Chisingtan, Hualien, Eastern Taiwan. Female. 483cm. 807kg.
Caught in a trawling net. Believed to be pregnant but not confirmed. Taken to the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium.
#33.
5 Jun 05
Hualien, Eastern Taiwan. Male. 350/400cm. 400-500kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#34.
11 Dec 05
Indian Ocean (Maldives and Chagos), 300cm. 186kg.
Caught in a purse seine net and released. Alive
#35.
26 Jan 06
Bayawan City, Central Visayas, island of Negros, Philippines. Female. 500cm. 750kg.
Accidental capture by fishermen in a gill net. Died before it could be set free.
#36.
12 Mar 06
Barra, Macajalar Bay, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Female. 226cm. 60-80kg.
Was dead when it reached the shore after being entangled by a fisherman's gill net.
#37.
23 Mar 06
Zhejiang, China. Female. 470cm. 650kg.
Caught and killed.
#38.
2 May 06
Sagami Bay, Yugawara, (Kanagawa pref), Japan. Female. 567cm. 1105kg.
Found alive in a fixed shore net but it died before it could be released. Put on display at Keikyu Aburatsubo marine park (in Kanagawa) Japan.
Photo Exhibit Photo Video Paper 1 Paper 2
#39.
16 Nov 06
Sebastián Vizcaíno Bay. Tortugas, West Coast of Baja California, Mexico. Female. 227cm. 27kg.
Caught in a gill net. Was later donated to the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO), La Jolla, California, USA.
Photo Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4
#40.
30 May 07
Barangay Tungkob, Minglanilla town, Cebu, Philippines. 249cm. 40-50kg.
Shark found alive with hole in the head. Died later.
#41.
7 Jun 07
Sagami Bay, Shizuoka, Japan. Female. 540cm.
Found alive in a fixed shore net. The shark was tagged and released.
#42.
9 Jul 07
Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Female. 367cm. 361kg.
Shark was caught in a purse seine net and died. It was kept frozen until it went on display Churaumi Aquarium in 2011.
Photo Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Paper 4 Paper 5
#43.
23 Sep 07
Baja California, México.
A scientific observer reported the capture and release of a large megamouth shark from a gillnet in an area between Cedros Island and San Benito Islands.
#44.
27 Sep 07
Hinunangan, So Lyete, Philippines. 274cm.
Found Dead Stranded On Beach.
#45.
30 Jun 08
Taiwan, Male. 200kg.
Caught and killed.
#46.
10 Jul 08
Taiwan. Male. 500/550cm. 870kg.
Caught, killed and consumed.
#47.
5 Sep 08
Hinunangan, So Lyete, Philippines. 213cm.
Found Stranded On Beach and was pushed back into the sea.
#48.
30 Mar 09
Eastern Coast of Burioas Isle, Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines. Male. 400cm. 500kg.
Died when caught in a gill net. Gordon Hubbell has Jaws.
#49.
8 Jun 09
Taitung, Chenggong, Taiwan. Female, 390cm. 350kg.
Was sold for NT$18,000 (US$549) to a local shark museum where it will be displayed.
#50.
9 Jul 09
Praia Grande, Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Male. 539cm.
According to LIMA,M.L.; RENNÓ,B. & SICILIANO,S. 2009. Gigante dos mares em areias fluminenses. Ciencia Hoje, Vol. 44, Setembro, 56-57. : The shark was found stranded and killed. Part of the specimen was consumed by the locals.
#51.
28 Oct 09
Tortugas Bay, West Coast of Baja California, Mexico. Male. 180cm. Caught in a net and killed by the same boat that caught Megamouth 39 on 16th. Nov 06
#52.
6 Nov 09
Mazeppa Bay, south Africa. +300cm
Found washed up on beach. Advanced stage of decomposition. Coordinates 32 27’ S, 28 39’ E .
#53.
25 Apr 10
Off South East China. Male. 400cm. 1000kg.
Caught and Killed. Only skin and jaws left.
#54.
19 Jun 10
Eastern Taiwan. 700cm. ~770kg.
Caught and Killed. Only jaws left.
#55.
23 Jun 10
Shizuoka pref., Japan. Female. 570cm.
Dead.
#56.
2010
Pamilacan Island, Bohol, Philippines. Caught and Killed. Only evidence is a 93cm. wide dried jaw displayed at Junior and Mesiang's Pamilacan Island Cottages in Bohol.
#57.
14 Jan 11
Owase, Mie Pref. Japan. Female. 500cm.
Was trapped in nets. Filmed and later killed.
#58.
27 May 11
Muroto, Kochi, Japan. ~300cm. Dead. Caught in set net.
#59.
12 Jun 11
Baja California, Mexico. Male. 300cm
Found dead in gill net.
#60.
24 Jun 11
Shizuoka pref, Japan. Female. 540cm.
Caught in a set net. Since March 2012 the specimen has been exhibited at the Main Rest House, Churaumi Plaza.
#61.
1 Jul 11
West Sagami Bay, Kanagawa Pref, Japan. Female. 370cm.
Caught and Killed.
#62.
30 Nov 11
50km off port of Santa Rosa de Salinas, Santa Elena province, Ecuador. Female. 243cm. 90.9kg. Dead.
The f/v “María josé ii” caught specimen in a gillnet at 2°7.902’ s, 81°23.883’ w.
#63.
Jan 12
East Sea of China. Female. 565-570cm. 1150/1250kg.
Caught and Killed.
#64.
30 Mar 12
Cope or Montañita Seamount”, (currently declared as “Bajo Cope” Marine Reserve), province of Santa Elena, Ecuador. Male.
Caught in a gill net. The specimen was sliced and sold on the local fish market Caraguay in Guayaquil.
#65.
5 Jul 12
Negombo fisheries harbour, Sri Lanka. Female. 180cm. Location (7812′ 11.67′′N 79849′44.35′E)
Caught in gillnet and discarded.
#66.
16 Oct 12
Eastern Taiwan. Female, Between 429 - 640cm. 800-900kg.
Caught and killed. Tail broke off when it was being hauled into the harbour. The organs were preserved and donated to a university and the flesh was sold.
#67.
4 Nov 12
San Diego, California., USA
#68.
4 Nov 12
San Diego, California, USA.
#69.
27 Jan 13
Kuki-misaki, Mie, Japan.
Dead. Caught in a set net.
#70.
27 Jan 13
Kuki-misaki, Mie, Japan. Female. 450cm.
Dead. Caught in a set net.
#71.
Jan 13
Sagami Bay, Shizuoka, Japan. Female. 487cm.
Filmed and Released for Discovery Shark Week 2013 - Alien Sharks
#72.
18 Apr 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 387cm. 366kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#73.
21 Apr 13
Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. Male 247cm.
Was found stranded. Dead
#74.
28 Apr 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 250cm. 250kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#75.
30 Apr 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 373cm. 383kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#76.
5 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 500cm. 565kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#77.
6 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 476cm. 1090kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#78.
6 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 368cm. 413kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#79.
7 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 385cm. 328kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#80.
8 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 413cm. 408kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#81.
10 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 400cm. 356kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#82.
16 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 545cm. 910kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#83.
18 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 552cm. 452kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#84.
18 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 524cm. 516kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#85.
19 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 509cm. 360kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#86.
19 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 395cm. 320kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#87.
21 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 363cm. 320kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#88.
23 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 453cm. 650kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#89.
30 May 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 426cm. 516kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#90.
10 Jun 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 400cm. 356kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#91.
13 Jun 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 380cm. 348kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#92.
10 Jul 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 463cm. 549kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#93.
10 Jul 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 484cm. 653kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#94.
10 Jul 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 398cm. 348kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#95.
17 Jul 13
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 710cm. 1147kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#96.
6 Sep 13
Manazuru, Japan. Female. 577cm.
Caught and killed.
#97.
26 Nov 13
San Diego, California, USA.
Caught in a gill net.
#98.
27 Nov 13
San Diego, California, USA.
Caught in a gill net.
#99.
1 Feb 14
Santa Rosa de Salinas, Santa Elena province, Ecuador. Male. 582-650 cm.
The f/v “SIEMPRE CHEO” had the fins of a megamouth shark. According to fishermen (about the same size as the boat). The coordinates where it was captured were 2°24.984’ s, 81°16.958’w.
#100.
14 Mar 14
Sabang West, Philippines. Female. ~400cm.
Washed ashore dead.
#101.
14 Apr 14
Yui, Shizuoka pref. Japan. Female. 446cm. 677kg.
Caught and killed. Kept frozen at Tokai University.
#102.
5 May 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 341cm. 916kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#103.
22 May 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 352cm. 210kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#104.
30 May 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 660cm. 752kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#105.
31 May 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 478cm. 532kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#106.
31 May 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 377cm. 277kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#107.
31 May 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 517cm. 734kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#108.
2 Jun 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 370cm. 355kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#109.
4 Jun 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 390cm. 490kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#110.
8 Jun 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 370cm. 296kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#111.
23 Jun 14
Barangay 2, Pobalcion, Tubay, Agusan Del Norte, Philippines. ~300cm. ~1000kg.
Caught and released alive.
#112.
30 Jun 14
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Female. 548cm. 500kg.
Caught in a net and dead on shore. Skin to be put on display at D' Bone Collector Museum in Davao City.
#113.
3 Aug 14
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 366cm. 330kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#114.
24 Dec 14
Izu, Shizuoka, Japan. -500cm
#115.
28 Jan 15
Pio Duran, Albay, Bicol Region, Luzon, Philippines. Male. 460cm.
Conflicting reports say that the shark was found floating near Catundulan Point and was brought to shore OR caught in a fishing net and brought to shore. The shark was captured by 39-year-old Edgar Chavez – a fisherman from Barangay Marigondon in Pioduran, Albay – and his companions. The body was preserved and is displayed at the Albay Parks and Wildlife for scientific study.
Photo Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Paper 1
#116.
21 Mar 15
Barangay Bayabas, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Female. -365cm.
Caught and died in a net by fisherman Jojo Cabatua. Was buried on site.
#117.
14 May 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 290cm. 502kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#118.
15 May 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 345cm. 307kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#119.
31 May 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 310cm. 540kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#120.
2 Jun 15
Nghe An Provance, Vietnam. -500cm. 540kg.
Washed ashore dead.
#121.
5 Jun 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 386cm. 510kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#122.
8 Jun 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 456cm. 456kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#123.
10 Jun 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 535cm. 625kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#124.
15 Jun 15
Pintuyan, Paco, Maasin city, Southern Leyte, Philippines.
Caught and butchered by fisherman. Dead.
#125.
16 Jun 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 521cm. 1077kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#126.
24 Jun 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 440cm. 523kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#127.
23 Jul 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 290cm. 502kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#128.
27 Jul 15
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 247cm. 271kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#129.
Nov 15
Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. ~300cm.
Caught with net by fisherman, butchered and eaten by locals.
#130.
24 Dec 15
Banderas Bay Beach, State of Nayarit, Mexico. 530cm.
The shark was stranded on shore. The body could not be recovered.
#131.
15 Apr 16
Owase City, Mie, Japan. Female. -500cm. 907kg.
Caught and died in a set net. I have serious doubts about the reported size. If the shark is 5m long than the guy next to it must be over 3m tall!!
#132.
May 16
Hualien County, Eastern Taiwan.
#133.
May 16
Hualien County, Eastern Taiwan.
#134.
31 Jul 16
Gabon. Female. 184cm. 45kg.
Caught in a tuna seine net and released Alive.
#135.
21 Nov 16
Piura region, Paita district, Yacila, Peru. -350cm.
Caught in driftnet and released alive.
#136.
10 Dec 16
Mojacasabe Beach, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Female. 457cm.
Found Stranded on the beach.
#137.
1 May 17
Barangay Baluarte, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines. ~300cm. ~600kg.
Washed ashore dead. Was buried.
#138.
12 May 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 440cm. 498kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#139.
16 May 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 484cm. 705kg.
Caught and sold to a fish restaurant.
#140.
21 May 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 480cm. 617kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#141.
22 May 17
Tateyama, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Female. 540cm. 1219kg.
Found Alive in a Net. Was later transferred to another ocean net were it sadly died whilst so called scientists observed her!! The Skeleton of this shark was put on display at the Kamogawa Seaworld.
Photo More Photos Video Video 2 Display Video Paper 1 Paper 2
#142.
26 May 17
Kumano Sea, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Female. 510cm.
Caught in a net and later released.
#143.
26 May 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 295cm. 625kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#144.
31 May 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 460cm. 528kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#145.
11 June 17
Pondol, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, Philippines. Female. 430cm. 600kg.
Found stranded and died. Had wounds near belly.
#146.
23 June 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 520cm. 910kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#147.
23 June 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 390cm. 653kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#148.
23 June 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 370cm. 407kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#149.
15 Jul 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 490cm. 827kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#150.
23 Jul 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 632cm. 969kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#151.
25 July 17
Shotgun, Komodo Island, Indonesia. Female. -500cm.
First ever Megamouth to be encountered and filmed during a dive.
#152.
14 Aug 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 470cm. 567kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#153.
25 Aug 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 480cm. 432kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#154.
25 Aug 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 420cm. 335kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#155.
25 Aug 17
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 470cm. 498kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead.
#156.
11 Feb 18
Bayawan City, Central Visayas, island of Negros. Philippines. Male. 434cm.
Died after it was accidentally caught in a gill net.
#157.
3 Mar 18
Barangay, Balabago, San Joaquin, Iloilo, Philippines. Female. ~400cm.
Died after it was caught in a net.
#158.
22 Apr 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 534cm. 773kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#159.
3 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. 495cm. 613kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#160.
5 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 306cm. 254kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#161.
11 May 18
East coast of Taiwan. Male. 437cm. -1200kg.
Tagged and Released by Paul Clerkin. Tag recovered in November 2019.
#162.
16 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 385cm. 420kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#163.
16 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 440cm. 500kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#164.
17 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 433cm. 490kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#165.
17 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 415cm. 329kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#166.
17 May 18
East coast of Taiwan. Male. 410cm. ~650kg.
Tagged and Released by Paul Clerkin at Location 23 deg, 57’ N, 121 deg 42 ‘ E. Collected data of 244 days. Plus also 1 month high resolution tag.
#167.
17 May 18
East coast of Taiwan. Female. 605cm. ~1200kg.
Named Rebecca. Tagged and Released by Paul Clerkin at Location 23 deg, 57’ N, 121 deg 42 ‘ E. Collected data of 58 days.
#168.
18 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 428cm. 520kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#169.
20 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 455cm. 487kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#170.
22 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 364cm. 456kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#171.
22 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 368cm. 492kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#172.
25 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 500cm. 692kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#173.
25 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 372cm. 436kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#174.
27 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 400cm. 373kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#175.
27 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 445cm. 513kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#176.
28 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 390cm. 372kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#177.
28 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 416cm. 830kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#178.
29 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 570cm. 649kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#179.
29 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 465cm. 500kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#180.
29 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 472cm. 540kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#181.
29 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 404cm. 500kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#182.
29 May 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 436cm. 530kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#183.
30 May 18
Yilan County, Taiwan. Female. 440cm. 424kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#184.
30 May 18
Yilan County, Taiwan. Male. 360cm. 223kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#185.
3 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 440cm. 480kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#186.
3 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 463cm. 755kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#187.
7 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 417cm. 417kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#188.
7 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 445cm. 346kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#189.
8 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 493cm. 716kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#190.
8 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 399cm. 618kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#191.
13 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 380cm. 440kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#192.
13 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 370cm. 243kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#193.
13 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 445cm. 650kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#194.
13 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 453cm. 508kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#195.
17 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 370cm. 220kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#196.
17 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 390cm. 300kg.
Caught in a drift net. Shark will be put on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
#197.
18 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 406cm. 338kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#198.
18 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 410cm. 396kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#199.
29 Jun 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 435cm. 390kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#200.
3 Jul 18
Bantay dagat Brgy. Sto Niño Tanauan, leyte, Philippines. Female. 550cm.
Washed ashore dead.
#201.
4 Jul 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 378cm. 460kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#202.
9 Jul 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 544cm. 1020kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#203.
11 Jul 18
Los Organos, Piura, Peru. Male. est between 364cm/411cm.
Was landed and consumed.
#204.
13 Jul 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 460cm. 348kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#205.
13 Jul 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 441cm. 527kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#206.
18 Jul 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 425cm. 330kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#207.
18 Jul 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 425cm. 454kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#208.
25 July 18
El Ñuro, Piura, Peru. 370cm.
Found stranded. Too decomposed to determine sex.
#209.
1 Aug 18.
Mauritania. Female. 180cm. 40kg.
Found dead in Tuna seine net and discarded.
#210.
17 Aug 18
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 434cm. 400kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#211.
18 Sept. 18
near Zhubi Dao, South China Seas. Female. 525cm. aprox. 1000kg.
Accidentally captured by a midwater trawl. Released Alive.
#212.
23 Sept 18
Coast of Pedra do Sal, Piaui, Brazil. Male. 150+cm.
Was found dead by fishermen floating in the shallows. Consumed.
#213.
13 Oct 18
Paita district, Peru. -500cm.
Caught in surface gillnet. Released Alive.
#214.
14 Oct 18
San Diego, California, USA.
#215.
14 Oct 18
San Diego, California, USA.
#216.
18 Oct 18
Morro Bay, California, USA.
#217.
19 Oct 18
Talupak beach, Villaflor, Puerto Galera, Mindoro, Philippines. ~200cm.
Washed ashore dead.
#218.
27 Nov 18
Ozamiz City, Barangay, San Antonio, Philippines. Male. -300cm.
Found in the shallows and died after a few minutes. Was buried in the sand.
Photo More Photos Video Paper 1
#219.
11 Dec 18
San Diego, California, USA.
#220.
28 Jan 19
Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan. Male. Approx 400/500cm.
Found dead on beach. Now on display at Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium.
#221.
3 Mar 19
Mancora, Peru. 470cm. Caught in surface gillnet. Released Alive.
#222.
20 Apr 19
Sitio Iget, Barangay, San Jose de oro, Araceli, Palawan. Philippines. Male. -480cm.
Found dead on beach.
#223.
25 Apr 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 350cm. 420kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#224.
6 May 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 350cm. 612kg.
Was caught and than it was sold to a seafood restaurant for NT$61,200 (US$1,978)
#225.
6 May 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 495cm. 612kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#226.
11 May 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 390cm. 435kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#227.
13 May 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 503cm. 633kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#228.
26 May 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 550cm. 787kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#229.
27 May 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 496cm. 558kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#230.
10 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 540cm. 808kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#231.
10 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 385cm. 289kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#232.
10 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 480cm. 503kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#233.
10 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 442cm. 403kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#234.
11 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 533cm. 998kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#235.
12 Jun 19
Lambayeque, Peru. Female. +300cm.
Accidentally captured in a purse seine net. Released Alive.
#236.
20 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 445cm. 487kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#237.
20 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 467cm. 610kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#238.
20 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 474cm. 740kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#239.
20 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 374cm. 359kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#240.
20 Jun 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 497cm. 671kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#241.
24 Jun 19
Salaverry, Peru. 215cm.
Found dead in midwater gillnet. Discarded.
#242.
5 Jul 19
Baloy City Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. ~300cm. 400kg.
Was caught by a fisherman and than butchered when pulled ashore.
#243.
7 Jul 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 539cm. 708kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#244.
7 Jul 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 420cm. 408kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#245.
7 Jul 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 615cm. 1270kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#246.
14 Jul 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 390cm. 436kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#247.
16 Jul 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 351cm. 525kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#248.
16 Jul 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 532cm. 703kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#249.
28 Jul 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 439cm. 401kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#250.
29 Jul 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 510cm. 682kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#251.
30 Jul 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 350cm. 248kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#252.
4 Aug 19
San Jose, Peru. Male. 375cm.
Caught in surface gillnet. Released Alive.
#253.
7 Aug 19
San Jose, Peru. Male. 400cm.
Caught in surface gillnet. Released Alive.
#254.
18 Aug 19
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 482cm. 480kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#255.
14 Oct 19
Paita District, Peru. Male. -400cm.
Caught in surface gillnet. Released Alive.
#256.
16 Oct 19
Paita District, Peru. Male. -400cm.
Caught in surface gillnet. Released Alive.
#257.
23 Oct 19
San Diego, California, USA. approx 450cm.
Fishermen film a Megamouth shark 24 miles off San Diego.
#258.
26 Mar 20
Liberia. Male. 380cm.
Found dead in a gill net.
#259.
31 Mar 20
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 545cm. 895kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#260.
30 May 20
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 423cm. 439kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#261.
6 Jun 20
Butuan Bay in Brgy. Tinago, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. -600cm.
Shark was found entangled in a net on the beach and was safely released.
#262.
11 Jun 20
Tokyo Bay, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Female. 600cm.
Shark was found trapped in a net and was set free.
#263.
15 Jun 20
Hualien, Eastern Taiwan. Female. 582cm. 1018kg.
Reports indicate that the next 6 Megamouths were caught by the same boat. None survived.
#264.
15 Jun 20
Hualien, Eastern Taiwan. Female. 462cm. 602kg.
Caught by the same boat as #239. Dead
#265.
16 Jun 20
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 576cm. 935kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#266.
16 Jun 20
Hualien County, Taiwan. Male. 378cm. 354kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#267.
17 Jun 20
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 594cm. 1110kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#268.
18 Jun 20
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. 482cm. 526kg.
Caught in a drift net. Dead
#269.
11 Jul 20
Hualien County, Eastern Taiwan. Female. 504cm. 774kg.
Dead.
#270.
11 Jul 20
Hualien County, Eastern Taiwan. Female. 409cm 542kg.
Dead.
#271.
7 Aug 20
Hualien County, Eastern Taiwan. Female. 381cm.
Dead
#272.
18 Nov 20
Bantayan, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines.
Found dead stranded on beach.
#273.
13 Mar 21
Lianjiang, Fuzhou Province, China. Female. 199cm. 33.15kg.
Caught by a commercial fishing boat. Dead.
#274.
28 May 21
MacArthur, Leyte, Philippines.
Found dead on beach.
#275.
3 Jun 21
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. est. 400cm.
Was found caught in a net and was released Alive.
#276.
14 Jun 21
Tateyama Bay, Chiba pref. Japan.
Shark seen for two days close to shore and than swam away.
#277.
22 Jul 21
Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, Philippines 563cm. 670kg.
Found dead stranded on beach.
#278.
29 Dec 21
San Roque, Tolosa, Leyte, Philippines. Male, 500cm.
Found dead stranded on beach.
#279.
11 Jun 22
Bagacay, Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines. Female. est.450cm.
Washed ashore dead.
#280.
29 Jul 22
Chole market, Pemba Island, Tanzania, Zanzibar Archipelago. Male approx 170 cm.
The shark was spotted at a market after it was found dead, caught with a longline.
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Paper
#281.
31 Jul 22
Mambajao, Camiguin, Philippines. Male.
Washed ashore dead. Was later buried.
#282
11 Sept 22
San Diego California, USA. Female. approx 450cm
Two Megamouths (#271 & #272) sighted swimming together at the surface, some 30 miles off shore.
#283.
11 Sept 22
San Diego California, USA. Male. approx. 380cm Two Megamouths (#275 & #276) sighted swimming together at the surface, some 30 miles off shore.
Photo 1 Photo 2 Video Video 2 Paper
#284.
8 Nov 23
Binday, Negros, Philippines.
Dead
#285.
11 Nov 23
Silago, Southern Leyte, Philippines.. 469cm. 907kg.
Dead.
#286.
14 Nov 23
Barangay Ipil, Dipaculao Aurora, Philippines. Female. 560cm 400-500kg.
Found stranded. Was giving birth when stranded.. 1 pup was found dead next to her and another 6 pups were found in its belly. 4 females and 3 males. The pups measured a lengthy 165 to 183.5 cm long, Ave weight 11.26 kgs 6 of the pups housed at the Philippine National Museum. 1 pup and the mother buried in Aurora.
Photo Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo 7 Photo 8 Photo 9 Video Report Paper
#287.
May 24
Hualien County, Taiwan.
Alive, Tagged and Released by Fisheries Research Institute (FRI)
#288.
May 24
Hualien County, Taiwan.
Alive, Tagged and Released by Fisheries Research Institute (FRI)
#289.
May 24
Hualien County, Taiwan.
Alive, Tagged and Released by Fisheries Research Institute (FRI)
#290.
May 24
Hualien County, Taiwan.
Alive, Tagged and Released by Fisheries Research Institute (FRI)
#291.
May 24
Hualien County, Taiwan.
Alive, Tagged and Released by Fisheries Research Institute (FRI)
#292.
24 May 24
Mitsu, Cape Muroto, Kochi Prefecture, Japan. ~600cm. ~2000kg.
Was found alive in a net, but died 2 hours after it was lifted into the boat. Was later taken to Osaka Aquarium for necroscopy.
#293.
3 Jun 24
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. ~400cm.
Reported by Chi-Ju Yu (Debbie) who Tagged and released the shark.”
#294.
3 Jun 24
Hualien County, Taiwan Male. ~350cm.
Reported by Chi-Ju Yu (Debbie) who Tagged and released the shark.”
#295.
6 Jun 24
Hualien County, Taiwan. Female. ~500cm.
Was caught in a net and released. Reported by Bethany Smith and Chi-Ju Yu (Debbie).
#296.
29 Jan 25
Tsushimashi Nagasaki prefecture Japan. Female. 500cm. 670bkg.
Report says caught in Net and released alive. Sadly it was found dead in the bay the next day. Nagasaki University recovered the shark for further studies.
#297.
15 Mar 25
Tubli, Caramoran, Catanduanes. Philippines. Female. 550cm.
Shark found alive stranded in shallow water. Died whilst rescuers tried to push it back into deeper water.
#298.
13 Oct 25
Tingin Basey, Samar, Barangay, Philippines.
Shark washed up on the beach. People tried to return it to the sea but it drifted back to shore.
#299.
Nov 25
Piura, Peru.
Found by local fishermen who “filleted the specimen for sudado and ceviche”, two traditional dishes in the country.
#300.
03 Dec 25
Brgy. Tiling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Male. ~274cm.
Shark washed up dead on beach.
#301.
17 Dec 25
Playa Gaviotas, Yacila, Piura, Peru. Female. 447cm.
Found decomposed on a beach. Believed to be the second in 4 weeks.
The Megamouth Shark Statistics.
Since being first reported in 1976, we now have a total of 301 known records. Here is a look at the statistics for this very rarely encountered shark.
|
Sex |
|
|
Male |
100 |
|
Condition |
|
|
Alive Unknown |
42 14 |
|
Locations |
|
|
Taiwan |
166 |
|
Sizes |
|
|
Largest Confirmed Female Smallest Confirmed Female |
710cm 180cm |
SPECIAL THANKS to the following Friends for their help
and contributions for this page.
HENRY F. MOLLET
Elasmollet.org
ELSON ELIZAGA
Megamouths 11 & 28
TAKU HORIE
Department of Marine Biology. Tokai Univ. Japan
SHALEYLA KELEZ
ecOceanica, Peru
CHI-JU YU, HUAHSUN HSU & GEORGE CHEN
Shark Research Center, National Taiwan Ocean University
JONATHON TREE
The Environment & Animal Society Of Taiwan (EAST)
TOM HAIGHT
Ocean Images
TON EGBERS
Lumba Lumba Diving Centre, Sumatra
TEODORA BAGARINAO
Seafdec Philippines
ARNEL YAPTINCHAY
Marine Wildlife Watch, Philippines
PAUL CLERKIN
VICTOR LIN
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