Quck answer
Shark pups are born in a variety of ways depending on the species. Some sharks lay eggs, which are protected by a tough outer casing and hatch after a period of time. Other sharks give birth to live pups, which can be born tail-first or head-first and may have a yolk sac attached for nourishment. Some sharks even have a placenta-like structure that allows them to nourish their young inside the mother’s body. Regardless of the method, shark pups are born fully formed and equipped to survive in their aquatic environment.
Wild Animals
Shark Pregnancy and Birth
A horn shark’s spiral eggcase
David Doubilet/National Geographic/Getty Images
Once the male shark has had a brief courtship and one-night stand with the female, the fertilized eggs are carried by the female shark in her womb known as the oviduct. The length of the gestation period varies among sharks, ranging from five to six months to two years. The spiny dogfish shark has the longest gestation period of all vertebrates, lasting 24 months.
Sharks are born in three different ways:
Oviparity: Oviparous sharks lay eggs which are enclosed in an egg case, also known as “mermaid’s purses.” Around one-third of shark species are oviparous. The mother shark deposits the egg cases in the sea to protect them from predators. Horn sharks and Port Jackson sharks carry their egg cases in rock crevices, where they harden into twisted spirals that are difficult to remove. The embryo is nourished by the yolk in the egg sac and hatches when it is fully developed.
Viviparity: Viviparous sharks carry the embryos through the entire gestation period and give birth to live shark pups, similar to mammals. Embryos are attached to their mother with a yolk sac placenta, which provides nutrition. Females also secrete uterine milk in some species which provides additional nutrients to the yolk sac. Viviparity is the most advanced method of reproduction and is practiced by larger species such as blue and hammerhead sharks. About one-third of sharks are viviparous.
Ovoviviparity: Most sharks are ovoviviparous which is a combination of the first two methods. They produce eggs that are carried within the female for the gestation period. When the egg hatches, the shark pup continues developing inside the female until it is born. For the first part of the gestation period, the embryos receive nourishment from their yolk sac, and once hatched, the lining of the uterus likely provides uterine milk or some other nutritious fluid. As there is never a direct connection between the embryo and the mother, ovoviviparity is also known as aplacental viviparity.
In some ovoviviparous species, embryos obtain additional nutrition by consuming their siblings in the womb.
Shark Reproduction Cheat Sheet
- Ovo: egg
- Vivi: live
- Parous: birth
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FAQ
1. How do sharks give birth?
Sharks give birth in one of three ways: oviparity, ovoviviparity, or viviparity. Oviparity is when the female shark lays eggs that hatch outside of her body. Ovoviviparity is when the female shark keeps the eggs inside of her body until they hatch, and then gives birth to live young. Viviparity is when the female shark gives birth to live young that have been nourished by a placenta.
2. What is the gestation period for shark pups?
The gestation period for shark pups varies depending on the species of shark. Some species have gestation periods as short as six months, while others can have gestation periods as long as two years.
3. Do sharks lay eggs?
Yes, some species of sharks lay eggs. These sharks are oviparous, which means that they lay eggs that hatch outside of their body.
4. How many pups do sharks typically have?
The number of pups that sharks have varies depending on the species of shark. Some species have as few as one or two pups, while others can have litters of up to 100 pups.
5. Do male sharks play a role in the birthing process?
No, male sharks do not play a role in the birthing process. Once the male shark has fertilized the eggs, his role in the reproduction process is complete.
6. Are shark pups able to swim immediately after birth?
Yes, many species of shark pups are able to swim immediately after birth. This is an important survival mechanism, as it helps the pups avoid predators.
7. How long do shark pups stay with their mother?
The length of time that shark pups stay with their mother varies depending on the species of shark. Some species only stay with their mother for a few months, while others may stay with her for up to two years.
8. Do sharks provide any parental care to their young?
No, sharks do not provide any parental care to their young. Once the pups are born, they are on their own and must fend for themselves.
9. Are all species of sharks born live?
No, not all species of sharks are born live. Some species are oviparous and lay eggs, while others are ovoviviparous and keep the eggs inside of their body until they hatch.
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