The shark's shape may have inspired sailors stories of sea monsters. (Screen cap)
Researchers recently discovered off the coast of Algarve an ancient sea creature whose existence dates back to 80 million years ago.
The frilled shark, which is unevolved since the Cretaceous Period, resembles a sea monster with its menacing teeth, elongated snake-like body and its odd shaped mouth. No, this is not a Loch Ness Monster-type, but the shark is just as elusive. This rare specimen is rarely seen since it inhabits the deep seas; usually found anywhere between 390 to 4,200 feet below the surface according to the Newsweek article and can be found in the Atlantic and off the coasts of Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
The frilled shark is considered a "living fossil" since its lineage to the days of dinosaurs, and has remained mostly unchanged.
-By MIKE DAMANTE