A rare megamouth shark was found lifeless on a beach in the southern Philippine province of Albay. 

Local fishermen discovered the 15-foot bizzare creature caught in their fishing nets off the coast of Burias Pass last week.

Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines said the deep-sea creature, known to scientists as Megachasma pelagios, is the 60th sighting of the rare shark species. Fifteen of these sightings were from the Philippines.

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"We know so little about it" said Christopher Bird, a Ph.D. student who studies deep-sea sharks at the University of Southampton in England. "It wasn't discovered really until 1976. It's only really seen when it's accidentally caught in fishermen's nets or when it is stranded on beaches," he added.

Megamouth sharks can grow up to 17 feet long and have a life span of around 100 years. They feed on small shrimp, plankton, and krill.

Their jaws can open up to 4 feet and have up to 50 rows of teeth. Their mouth is surrounded by luminous photophores that attract planktons or small fishes. The megamouth shark, known to be a poor swimmer, has long been considered an endangered species.

The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources gave the name "Toothless" to the dead shark.

"Toothless" is now stored in an ice plant and is being prepared for preservation.

The necropsy will be performed by experts from the United States. The taxidermy will see the organs removed, the shark's skin soaked in formalin, and the body stuffed.

"Toothless" will be on display at the Albay Park and Wildlife in Albay City, Bicol Province.

Tagsshark, megamouth, deep sea creature, bicol