Mother Shark Possibly Sets New Record For Sperm Storage
- 9 years ago
It’s believed that a female bamboo shark held onto sperm for about 4 years before producing a fertilized egg and, ultimately, a baby.
Sharks have been around for millions of years and in that time they’ve developed some cool tricks like regenerating teeth and becoming pregnant without current mates.
On the latter count, it’s been confirmed that a female brownbanded bamboo shark held onto sperm for about 4 years before producing a fertilized egg and, ultimately, a baby.
That is the longest known duration for such a feat, and not just for the bamboo variety but among sharks at large.
The happening occurred at the California Academy of Sciences' Steinhart Aquarium.
Initially, scientists didn’t think much of the eggs being laid in the tank, but when one was discovered to contain a viable embryo they took notice. After incubation a healthy pup was born in January 2012.
The shark that laid it had been living in the environment for years, and her cohabitants were all females with t
Sharks have been around for millions of years and in that time they’ve developed some cool tricks like regenerating teeth and becoming pregnant without current mates.
On the latter count, it’s been confirmed that a female brownbanded bamboo shark held onto sperm for about 4 years before producing a fertilized egg and, ultimately, a baby.
That is the longest known duration for such a feat, and not just for the bamboo variety but among sharks at large.
The happening occurred at the California Academy of Sciences' Steinhart Aquarium.
Initially, scientists didn’t think much of the eggs being laid in the tank, but when one was discovered to contain a viable embryo they took notice. After incubation a healthy pup was born in January 2012.
The shark that laid it had been living in the environment for years, and her cohabitants were all females with t