5-Meter Shark Spotted Off Mallorca! Why This Is a Good Thing

Louisa Stoeffler Editor

November 13, 2025, 12:14 pm | Read time: 3 minutes

When people think of Mallorca, they usually envision sun, sand, and turquoise waters–a five-meter-long shark doesn’t quite fit into this idyllic picture. Yet beneath the ocean’s surface lies a paradise for endangered species, now revealing spectacular secrets that researchers are celebrating.

Spectacular Discovery in Research Project

A research team made a discovery off the coast of the island of Cabrera that is causing a stir not only in academic circles: For the first time, a powerful bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) was sighted in this region. And that’s not the only surprise the study holds, as first reported by BILD (like PETBOOK, part of Axel Springer).

The sighting of the five-meter-long specimen of the species also known as the cow shark is a scientific milestone. Until now, this type of shark had never been seen around Mallorca. The foundation “Save the Med“, which led the study, celebrates the find and advocates for the protection of marine life in the Mediterranean.

However, the exciting discovery of the sixgill shark is just one of many insights gained from the comprehensive study. The results of the investigation titled “Sharks and Rays in the Cabrera National Park: Study of Their Diversity, Frequency, Seasonality, and Movement Patterns Using Non-Invasive Techniques” were presented on Tuesday by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment of the Balearic Islands. It is the most detailed survey of these species in the entire archipelago to date.

Predatory Fish Which Sharks Live in the Mediterranean and How Dangerous They Are

Whale sharks and other species swim in the water—and, according to a study, are most affected by potential deep-sea mining.

Study Shows Deep-Sea Mining Threatens Endangered Sharks – 30 Species in the Crosshairs of the Resource Boom

Cabrera National Park–a Refuge for Endangered Marine Animals

Since February 1, 2019, Cabrera has been officially the largest national park in Spain. This means around 90,000 hectares of sea and land are under special protection. The island is located only about 16 kilometers south of Colònia de Sant Jordi, yet the secluded area hosts an exceptionally diverse ecosystem–largely unaffected by mass tourism.

The goal of the protected area is to permanently secure the region’s biological diversity. The study shows that these efforts are having an effect: More and more rare or endangered species are appearing in the surrounding waters.

Catsharks, White Skates, and Pelagic Predators

In addition to the sixgill shark, researchers documented a variety of other species. Catsharks appeared particularly frequently–scientists counted a total of 25 specimens during their surveys. Additionally, it was possible for the first time to film white skates in the area–a species of skate that is highly endangered in the Mediterranean.

Large pelagic sharks, however, remain rare visitors to the protected area. Within a year, 17 blue sharks were documented, while particularly rare species like the mako shark appeared only sporadically.

Overview: The Documented Species

The new study impressively demonstrates how significant Cabrera National Park is for the conservation of endangered sharks and rays–and what a fascinating wildlife exists right on Mallorca’s doorstep. Among others, the following species were also described:

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of PETBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@petbook.de.