Zuiyo-Maru Carcass
Field Report
The Zuiyo-Maru Carcass refers to a mysterious carcass caught in 1977 by the Japanese fishing vessel Zuiyo-Maru off the coast of New Zealand. Initially thought to be a prehistoric plesiosaur due to its unusual shape and features, it was later identified by scientists as a decomposed basking shark. The incident sparked widespread speculation and remains a famous example of how decomposing known animals can fuel cryptid legends and public fascination.
Classification
Type:Sea Monster
Location:Japan, off the coast of Choshi, Chiba Prefecture
Traits:Long neck, decayed fins, rubbery texture, mysterious origin
Threat Assessment
Danger Level: 5
First Reported: 1977
Sightings: 1
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Behavioral Patterns
It floats limp on sunlit ocean swells, mouth agape. Birds circle above but rarely land, drifting away from its strange scent.
Folklore & Origins
Japanese fishers spread tales this sea corpse was an omen spirit punishing coastal greed.
Media Documentation
Heavily reported by Japanese and international newspapers in 1977 after fishermen hauled up a decomposed carcass. Pops up in plesiosaur survival debates. Later studies identified it as a basking shark.
Hoax Analysis
Zuiyo-Maru Carcass refers to a 1977 incident involving a decomposed carcass caught by a fishing vessel. Initial excitement turned to skepticism as experts concluded it was a decayed basking shark, leading many to consider the original “sea monster” claim a misidentification rather than a deliberate hoax.