A large white shark was swimming near an observation boat when it caught the attention of a group of divers. The animal displayed a wide, circular scar on its flank formed by teeth marks. The record took place in 2019 during an expedition in the Isla Guadalupe region, in México.
Azerbaijani photographer Jalil Najafov, shark enthusiast and conservation activist, participated in the activity with friends. Ele dove with a waterproof camera to record the moment. The images gained repercussion years later, when published on social networks.
Avistamento occurred during shark diving tour
The expedition followed the Mexican coast in August 2019. The group sailed near the volcanic island of Guadalupe, a point known for encounters with great white sharks. The animal appeared close to the vessel.
Najafov first noticed the size of the specimen, estimated at around 4.5 meters. Then he noticed the mark on the body. “It was something I had never seen in my life,” he reported in later interviews. The photographer went down into the underwater cage to capture details with the GoPro.
- The shark swam calmly despite the visible injury.
- The scar formed a wide arc on his side.
- Marcas of teeth appeared distributed throughout the wound.
- The animal showed no signs of difficulty moving.
Cicatriz sparked debate about possible origin
The photo was shared in December 2021 on the photographer’s Instagram. The content spread quickly. Usuários and experts began to discuss what could have caused the injury.
Najafov consulted two scientists specializing in sharks before publication. Ambos ruled out typical mating injuries. Tristan Guttridge, from a marine protection organization, and Michael Domeier, director of an oceanic research institute, indicated that the most likely attack was another shark.
Eles observed that the scar appeared to be in the healing process. The size of the mark suggested a confrontation between individuals of significant size.
Detalhes of the expedition and photographic record
The trip lasted five days with a focus on responsible observation. Participantes used cages for safe approach. The site is about 240 kilometers from the Baja California peninsula.
Najafov had temporarily lost the memory card with the images. Ele only found the material again in 2021. The delay in releasing it did not lessen the impact. The photographer highlighted how lucky he was to have captured the shark before the mark disappeared completely.
The record integrates a larger set of images taken by the professional during years of immersion in marine environments. Ele also produces videos about wildlife and ocean conservation advocacy.
Especialistas reinforces hypothesis of dispute between sharks
Cientistas consulted coincided in the analysis. Feridas of mating tends to be deeper and more punctual, generally on the body of females. The circular and extensive pattern pointed to a defensive or territorial bite.
Domeier added that brands like this can disappear over time. In the photographed case, it was still possible to distinguish the contours of the teeth. The episode illustrates the dynamics of competition in the marine food chain.
Tubarões-whites are apex predators and occasionally interact aggressively with each other. Estudos record similar scars in populations of Califórnia and África of Sul.
Foto contributes to discussion about shark behavior
The material serves as a visual record of a rare event. Ele helps to better understand interactions between large predators. Pesquisadores continues to monitor great white shark populations to map migration and behavior patterns.
Najafov keeps raising awareness. Suas posts highlight the importance of protecting the oceans and reducing threats like overfishing and pollution. The meeting reinforces that even the largest marine animals face risks in their own habitat.
