Shark Pups: How Do They Come Into the World?

Quck answer

Shark pups are born from eggs laid by the mother shark. The eggs can be laid in a variety of ways, depending on the species of shark. Some sharks lay eggs in egg cases that are left on the ocean floor, while others give birth to live young. In live-bearing species, the young are nourished by a placenta-like structure during gestation. Once the pups are born, they are fully formed and able to swim on their own. However, they are still vulnerable to predators and must quickly learn to fend for themselves.

Wild Animals

A Quick Guide to Shark Pups

Important Facts to Remember:

• Sharks have three ways of giving birth: laying eggs that hatch later (oviparity), giving birth to live young (viviparity), or carrying eggs in sacs within their womb and then giving birth to live young (ovoviviparity).
• Gestation periods and litter sizes vary depending on the shark species. Some may take up to two years to give birth and have a litter of up to 100 pups.
• In some shark species, intrauterine cannibalism occurs, where fertilized or unfertilized eggs are eaten by their siblings in the womb.
• Once born, shark pups are independent and may only encounter their parents in dangerous situations.

Additional Reading:

• How Do Sharks Sense Their Environment?
• What Do Sharks Typically Eat?
• Can Sharks Drown If They Stop Moving?

Test Your Knowledge with These Quizzes:

• Great White Shark Quiz
• Diving with the Sharks Quiz
• Most Dangerous Sharks Quiz
• Nurse Shark Quiz

Take a Look at These Image Galleries:

• Shark Pictures
• Dolphin Pictures
• Squid Pictures

FAQ

1. What is the gestation period for shark pups?

It varies between different shark species, but most carry their young for 9 to 12 months. Some, such as the spiny dogfish, have a gestation period of up to 24 months.

2. Do sharks lay eggs or give birth to live young?

It depends on the species. Some sharks, such as the great white and bull shark, give birth to live young. Others, such as the hammerhead and horn shark, lay eggs.

3. How many pups can a shark give birth to at once?

Again, this varies between species. Some, like the great white, can give birth to up to 14 pups at once. Others, like the blacktip shark, typically give birth to 4 to 7 pups at a time.

4. Where do shark pups develop inside the mother?

Shark pups develop inside the mother’s uterus. Unlike mammals, sharks do not have a placenta to nourish the young. Instead, the mother provides the developing pups with unfertilized eggs or a nutrient-rich fluid.

5. How do shark pups survive after birth?

Shark pups are born fully formed and able to swim. They must immediately fend for themselves, as the mother does not provide any care after birth. Some species, such as the lemon shark, will stay in shallow nurseries for a period of time before venturing out on their own.

6. Are there any threats to shark pup survival?

Yes, shark pups face many threats in their early years. They are vulnerable to predation by larger sharks and other marine animals. They may also be caught accidentally in fishing nets or targeted for their fins. Habitat destruction and pollution can also impact their survival.