When the train arrived at Ditmars Boulevard in Queens, an MTA supervisor reported that the small shark was dead and cleared it from the car. Conservation group Shark Advocates International has identified the animal as a smooth dogfish, a heavily fished Atlantic species with weak finning rules in the U.S.

Rumors about the shark's origin are circulating around the Internet, and someone even created the Twitter handle @NYCSubwayShark with over 560 followers. Ortiz joked from the MTA spokesperson Twitter account @MTA_NYCT_Vocero of "unconfirmed reports that the shark was headed home after a night of partying in Coney Island." The MTA said it will not investigate the incident.

But this mysterious shark isn't the only creature making an appearance on