AN extremely rare species of shark has been discovered off the Gulf of Mexico.

    However, this little critter is more likely to get you cooing rather than crying out in fear.

    The tiny nipper — measuring just 5.5 inches (13.9 cm) long — was caught during a 2010 government research trip and its body remained frozen while biologists went about identifying it.

    Last week scientists revealed the dinky creature is a pocket shark — a miniature variation of the more popular kinds.

    The young male is the second of its species ever seen.

    The first pocket shark was found 36 years ago in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Peru and it’s been sitting in a Russian museum since.

    It’s believed the newly-discovered pocket shark was just a few weeks old as he is extremely small and only weighs a mere half ounce.

    Strangely, this type of shark has two pockets next to its front fins; their purpose is not known.

    It’s not quite like a kangaroo, which uses its pouch to carry young, but few species have pockets this large — about 4 percent of the shark’s body.

    “It’s cute,” said Tulane University biologist Michael Doosey, who co-authored a study in a zoological journal identifying the shark. It almost looks like a little whale.”

    The shark also has unusual belly patches not seen in most sharks. (SD-Agencies)