Finding a partner is undoubtedly challenging in our world, but sharks and crocodiles, known for their strength and independence, are now taking matters into their own fins and claws by reproducing without the hassle of mating!
On November 1, Brookfield Zoo in the United States joyfully announced the birth of a shark within its confines. What makes this tale intriguing isn't just the captive hatching; it's the revelation that the female shark had been without male contact for four years prior!
As per the zoo's statement, the female epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) was introduced in 2019 at the age of three. Named for the large eyespots resembling shoulder pads above their pectoral fins, these nocturnal sharks are typically found in warm, shallow waters near Australia and are known to occasionally "walk" short distances on the seafloor.
Upon reaching sexual maturity at seven, the Brookfield Zoo shark began producing 2-4 eggs monthly, sans fertilization by male genetic material — a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis. Although most eggs were infertile, one fortuitously proved fertile. After five months of incubation, a 5-6 inch pup hatched on August 23. Initially kept under wraps, the two-month-old pup now playfully explores the zoo's habitats.
Mike Masellis, a lead animal care specialist at Brookfield Zoo, shared, “We are happy to report that our epaulette pup has been eating well on her diet of finely chopped capelin, minced squid tentacles, and other finely chopped seafood. Our colleagues at New England Aquarium have been a great resource as shark pups produced parthenogenetically can be very delicate.”
Parthenogenesis, meaning "virgin creation," gained attention recently after the first-ever virgin crocodile birth was observed in June at a Costa Rican zoo. While mammals, including humans, typically require genetic material from sperm for fertilization, this phenomenon is exceptionally rare but has been documented among birds, sharks, lizards, and snakes in captivity.
