Single-eyed.

Cyclops Shark
Photograph courtesy Marcela Bejarano-Álvarez
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This extremely rare cyclops shark, found in Mexico, was confirmed by scientists in October.

The 22-inch-long (56-centimeter-long) fetus has a single, functioning eye at the front of its head. The eye is a hallmark of a congenital condition called cyclopia, which occurs in several animal species, including humans.

Scientists have documented cyclops-shark embryos a few times before, saidJim Gelsleichter, a shark biologist at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. The fact that none have been caught outside the womb suggests cyclops sharks don't survive long in the wild.

(See more pictures of the cyclops shark.)

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Published December 2, 2011