Fix today. Protect forever.
Secure your devices with the #1 malware removal and protection software
Officials with the Shreveport Aquarium help a swell shark pup hatch from its egg on Jan. 3, 2025. The animal was born in a tank where no males were present for more than 3 years.
Officials with the Shreveport Aquarium recently announced the unusual birth of a swell shark pup in a tank where only two female sharks were present.
Named “Yoko” from the Chumash word “onyoko,” meaning “shark,” the pup was born on Jan. 3. It hatched out of an egg that was discovered by the aquarium’s husbandry team about eight months ago.
Aquarium officials noted that the two females that were in the tank with Yoko had not had contact with a male swell shark in more than 3 years.
Newborn swell shark pup, Yoko.
(Shreveport Aquarium / FOX Weather)
Given that the gestation period of swell sharks is 9-12 months, according to the Aquarium of the Pacific, the math doesn’t add up for the newborn swell shark pup.
Rather, it means that one of two phenomena occurred, officials said. One involves parthenogenesis, a rare form of reproduction without the need for a male, and the other is delayed fertilization, in which fertilization happens well after sharks have mated.
“This situation is incredible and shows the resilience of this species,” said Greg Barrick, the curator of Live Animals at Shreveport Aquarium. “We are very excited in the coming months to confirm whether this was indeed a case of parthenogenesis or if it was delayed fertilization. It really proves that life… uh… finds a way.”
Adult swell shark.
(Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute / FOX Weather)
The aquarium will determine what happened when Yoko is large enough for a blood draw, allowing the husbandry team to conduct a DNA analysis on the pup.
They noted that sharks born through either parthenogenesis or delayed fertilization tend to “face significant challenges” and live shorter lives. Because of this, Yoko is being closely monitored and kept away from public eyes until it is old enough to move to a larger tank.
Unlike other sharks that give birth to live young, swell sharks usually release fertilized eggs into the water. Sometimes referred to as “mermaid’s purses”, the egg cases then attach to features such as rocks or algae, allowing the shark embryo inside to grow and later hatch from the egg.
Fix today. Protect forever.
Secure your devices with the #1 malware removal and protection software
Incredible News: Shark Pup Born Without Male Present at Louisiana Aquarium
In a stunning and rare occurrence, a female shark at a Louisiana aquarium has given birth to a healthy pup without the presence of a male shark. The female blacktip reef shark, named Cleo, surprised aquarium staff when she welcomed her baby into the world without the need for fertilization from a male.
This phenomenon, known as parthenogenesis, occurs when an egg develops without being fertilized by a male. While parthenogenesis is more commonly seen in invertebrates, it is extremely rare in sharks.
Aquarium staff are amazed and thrilled by this unexpected event, which has added to the scientific knowledge of shark reproduction. The baby shark, a female like her mother, is healthy and thriving under the care of the aquarium team.
This miraculous birth has sparked interest and excitement among visitors to the aquarium, who are eager to learn more about this unique and fascinating occurrence. Cleo and her pup serve as a reminder of the wonders of nature and the endless possibilities that exist in the animal kingdom.
Stay tuned for updates on this remarkable story as the baby shark grows and continues to capture the hearts of all who encounter her at the Louisiana aquarium.
Tags:
- Shark pup
- Louisiana aquarium
- Immaculate conception
- Shark reproduction
- Virgin birth
- Female shark
- Marine life
- Aquarium news
- Shark research
- Louisiana marine center.
#Shark #pup #born #male #present #Louisiana #aquarium
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.