A group of EU scientists trawling the depths of the Atlantic have caught one of the rarest and most ancient creatures on the planet, a frilled shark.

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The predator which can grow to two meters is named after it gills which have frilly, fluffy edges.

Inside its snake-like head,  which may have inspired 19th century tales of terrifying sea serpents, the shark has 300 needle-sharp teeth lined in 25 rows.