A SMALL shark was found washed up on Towyn Beach.
The shark, believe to be a smooth-hound, was discovered by a family on the beach yesterday (April 27).
Knightly’s Amusements, which was based in Towyn, shared the attached photos of the shark.
A statement from Knightly’s read: “A little different from the usual fun today - we were asked for help by a family who spotted this small shark on Towyn Beach earlier.
“Thanks to them acting quickly, we were able to help get it safely back into the sea.
“Using a damp towel to keep it comfortable, it didn’t take long before it found its way back home.”
Frankie Hobro, Anglesey Sea Zoo director, said the shark appeared to be a smooth-hound.
The smooth-hound shark is one of the most common small sharks found in shallow coastal seas in the UK and across the Atlantic.
They are found in water 5-50m deep and known to frequent beaches, estuaries, and sandbanks.
She said: “The only other species of that shape and size would be a small tope, but the nose shape is not quite right for a tope.
“They are beautiful little sharks - pretty common around our coasts but not often encountered as closely as this one was.
“They feed primarily on crustaceans such as crabs, prawns and shellfish and typically grow to 1-1.5m in length, but on occasion, can reach 2m.
“Here in North Wales starry smooth-hounds are more commonly encountered than common smooth-hounds, but both species are found in our seas here.
“While smooth-hounds are generally not targeted by commercial fishing in the UK, they are popular with shore anglers.
“Prime shore fishing spots locally for smooth-hounds include Holyhead, Trearddur Bay, Llanddwyn, and Prestatyn, so it is not surprising that this one was found at Towyn.”
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