Shark at Brookfield Zoo Gives Birth Without a Male
Exciting news from Brookfield Zoo in Illinois! A female shark has given birth to a pup without any contact with a male for four years. This “virgin birth” is only the second known case for an epaulette shark (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) in captivity. The pup hatched on August 23 after a five-month incubation period. The zoo kept the pup hidden for two months but has now decided to put her on display in the “Living Coasts” section.
A Rare Phenomenon
This incredible phenomenon of asexual reproduction, known as parthenogenesis, is relatively rare for complex vertebrates like sharks. Parthenogenesis, which means “virgin creation” in Greek, has been observed in birds, sharks, lizards, and snakes in captivity. In fact, just a few months ago, scientists recorded the first-ever virgin birth in a crocodile. Females capable of parthenogenesis can produce eggs that contain all the genetic information needed for reproduction.
The Story of the Shark Mom
The mom of this miraculous pup arrived at Brookfield Zoo in 2019 from a New England aquarium, where the first known virgin birth of an epaulette shark was reported. Since then, she has not been housed with a male. Last year, at the age of 7, she reached sexual maturity and began laying two to four eggs every month. One of these eggs developed into an embryo without the need for fertilization.
A Healthy Newborn
Despite the delicate nature of shark pups produced parthenogenetically, this newborn appears to be healthy. She has been eating well on a diet of finely chopped capelin fish, minced squid tentacles, and other finely chopped seafood. The zoo staff is excited for visitors to see the pup and witness this extraordinary event.
About Epaulette Sharks
Epaulette sharks are fascinating creatures. They are mostly nocturnal and can grow up to 3.5 feet (1.1 meters) long. These slender sharks live in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia. They are named after the large eyespots above their pectoral fins, which make them appear larger than they actually are. Epaulette sharks have been known to “walk” short distances across sandy seabeds, their preferred habitat, and use their muscular pectoral fins to land on the seafloor.
Conclusion
In the realm of captivating natural marvels, the “virgin birth” of an epaulette shark at Brookfield Zoo stands as a testament to the extraordinary occurrences within the animal kingdom. This rare instance of asexual reproduction, a phenomenon known as parthenogenesis, not only illuminates the resilience and adaptability of these mesmerizing creatures but also underscores the awe-inspiring potential inherent in the natural world. The arrival of this healthy pup, born without male intervention, not only showcases the remarkable adaptability of epaulette sharks but also provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the marvels of nature firsthand at the “Living Coasts” section. This event marks a pivotal moment in appreciating the wonders of these fascinating creatures and their incredible capabilities.
Photo: Mark V. Erdmann, Conservation International, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
