A bizarre one-eyed albino shark foetus cut from the womb of its mother is likely to be genuine, scientists have concluded.
Scientists have examined and x-rayed the cyclops shark and concluded that it is not a hoax, LiveScience reported.
The foetus was discovered by Mexican fisherman Enrique Lucero León in July after reeling in its pregnant mother in the Gulf of California.
Photos of the 56cm creature went viral when the Pisces Fleet Sportfishing blog put them online, prompting scientists to investigate if it was a hoax.
Shark expert Felipe Galvan Magana said the condition was "extremely rare".
"As far as I know, less than 50 examples of an abnormality like this have been recorded."
The fetus was found in its mother's womb with nine other healthy shark babies.
It is unlikely the creature would have survived long after birth, shark biologist Jim Gelsleichter told National Geographic.
"It's a humbling experience to realise you ain't seen it all yet," he said.
Despite receiving multiple offers, León said he will not sell the shark.
Front page
RSS Feed