An unusual discovery has caused a stir in Terralba: a young dusky shark was found dead, washed up on the shore of the Marceddì lagoon. The video of the find, published on TikTok by Aron Peddis, quickly spread on social media and sparked a debate about the species of the animal.
Uncertainty about the species
Experts and internet users are speculating about the shark’s exact identity. Some suspect it is a spiny dogfish, a rather common species, while others believe it to be a dusky shark, which is much rarer in these waters. Regardless of the species, the discovery has once again drawn attention to the presence of predators in the Mediterranean.
Sharks in the Mediterranean: not a rarity
Contrary to popular belief, several shark species inhabit Sardinian waters – and the Mediterranean in general. Sightings near the coast are rare and should not cause alarm, but they do confirm the actual presence of these animals. Among the most common species are the blue shark, the thresher shark, and the 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 piqued the curiosity of bathers. Two years ago, sharks near Villasimius caused concern. In 2021, a shark was spotted just a few meters from the beach in Budoni. In 2024, a roughly two-meter-long specimen was found dead on the beach in Stintino, sparking renewed discussions about the health of the marine ecosystem.
