An unusual discovery has caused a stir in Terralba: a young black shark was found dead washed up on the shore of the Marceddì lagoon. The video of the find, posted on TikTok by Aron Peddis, quickly spread across social media and sparked a debate about the species of the animal.
Uncertainty about the species
Experts and internet users are puzzled about the exact identity of the shark. Some suspect it is a spiny dogfish, a relatively common species, while others believe it to be a black shark, which is much rarer in these waters. Regardless of the species, the find has once again drawn attention to the presence of predatory fish in the Mediterranean Sea.
Sharks in the Mediterranean: not uncommon
Contrary to popular belief, there are several species of sharks in Sardinian waters—and in the Mediterranean in general. Sightings near the coast are rare and should not cause alarm, but they do highlight the actual presence of these animals. The most common species include the blue shark, the thresher shark, and the shortfin mako. The great white shark, however, is extremely rare, with only a few documented sightings in Italian waters.
Previous sightings in Sardinia
In recent years, there have been repeated sightings in Sardinia that have piqued the curiosity of beachgoers. Two years ago, sharks near Villasimius caused concern. In 2021, a shark was spotted just a few metres from the beach in Budoni. In 2024, a roughly two-metre-long specimen was found dead on the beach in Stintino, reigniting discussions about the health of the marine ecosystem.
