‘Rarely seen' bottom-dwelling sea creature washes up on beach in Australia
A 'rarely seen' marine creature — nearly 6 feet long — washed up on a beach in northern Australia, attracting the attention of wildlife enthusiasts.
Rhynchobatus australiae, commonly known as a bottlenose wedgefish, was found stranded on Casuarina Beach in the Casuarina Coastal Reserve, according to a May 29 news release from Australia's Northern Territory Government.
Officials said the 'distinctive' bottom-dweller is known for it's wide wedge-shaped snout and is typically found at depths of about 200 feet.
'They don't often wash up on beaches, making sightings extremely rare,' officials said.
The wedgefish was dead with no signs of injury, according to the release.
Researchers from the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory collected data and a tissue sample, which will be used to analyze 'the species' genetic makeup and population diversity,' officials said.
The species is listed as 'critically endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
Wildlife officials said the species is targeted for their fins that are highly valuable in the international fin trade.
Casuarina Beach is in Australia's Northern Territory.
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