Shark falls in love...with a "metal arm" man

It is a tale of raw animal magnetism and love at first bite. When diver Martin Sutcliffe first caught the eye of bowmouth shark Betty, she knew deep down she wanted to be in his arms. Now, whenever he drops in on the 2m (7ft) predator’s tank, she shuns other divers to nibble his hair and rub against his head and body.

The unusual display had staff at the Sea Life Centre in Blackpool baffled – until they learned Mr Sutcliffe had a metal rod implanted in his arm after an accident.

"We’re convinced magnetic particles in the pin in Martin’s arm are causing little electrical discharges that only Betty can detect and which she finds irresistible," said display supervisor Carey House. "It’s amazing to watch."

Mr Sutcliffe (pictured) enjoys his close encounters with Betty, who has 50 rows (yes, 50) of sharp teeth and feeds on fish and crustaceans.

"I wouldn’t have anyone take my place,’ the 33-year-old said. "She only nibbles, rather than bites, but her teeth are so strong it feels like hard scratching and it’s impossible to ignore."


/Metro.co.uk/