People fishing along the coast of Birżebbuġa on Saturday were surprised to come across the head of a bluntnosed sixgill shark (Hexanchius grisus) floating in the water.

According to shark expert Alex Buttigieg, who identified the species, the head was probably dismembered from its body by fishermen. This was likely because of the symmetrical and smooth way it seemed to be cut, he said.

He said it was unlikely that the fish was attacked by a larger shark as no teeth marks were visible.

This is the second time that this species of shark has hit the headlines in the past six weeks, after a dying, four-metre specimen startled a family of sailing enthusiasts anchored at Comino in February. It was thought to have been caught and dumped by fishermen.

This deep water shark is a harmless species that is occasionally caught in Maltese waters. It is not protected.