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Shark Births Without a Father: A Rare Wonder!
11 Sep
Summary
- A female epaulette shark reproduced without male contact.
- This rare parthenogenesis event occurred at Brookfield Zoo.
- The pup hatched in August 2023 and went on display later.
A remarkable event unfolded at Brookfield Zoo when a female epaulette shark successfully produced a pup in August 2023, a rare occurrence of parthenogenesis. This phenomenon means the embryo developed without genetic material from a male, as the mother had not been housed with one since arriving at the zoo in 2019. Initial eggs laid in 2022 were mostly infertile, but one eventually developed into a healthy pup.
This young female shark, about five to six inches long by November 2023, was placed on public display at the zoo's Living Coast exhibit. Animal-care staff closely monitored her feeding and development for approximately two months. This case is significant as it marks only the second reported instance of an epaulette shark born through apparent asexual reproduction at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility.
Epaulette sharks, native to northern Australia and New Guinea, are known for their unique ability to "walk" on the seafloor using muscular fins. This adaptation aids their survival in shallow, oxygen-variable environments. Their distinctive markings resemble epaulettes, giving the species its name. The successful birth at Brookfield Zoo contributes valuable data to the study of parthenogenesis in sharks.
