Italian scientists from the Experimental Institute for Animal Prevention of Piedmont have discovered the first case of “immaculate pregnancy” among sharks of the Mustelus mustelus species, known as dogfish or European mustel sharks. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Scientific Reports (SciRep).
Experts have determined that two female sharks living in the Cala Gonole aquarium on the island of Sardinia have been giving birth to cubs since 2020.
“Immaculate Conception,” or parthenogenesis, in which offspring can be born from unfertilized eggs, occurs in more than 15,000 species but is still poorly understood.
The basking shark is a medium-sized shark that lives in shallow waters and can potentially live up to 25 years. The species is classified as vulnerable. It is estimated that the population could be halved in the next few decades.
The researchers examined the offspring’s DNA to rule out the possibility that they became pregnant as a result of their mothers storing sperm for long periods of time.
The authors also noted that only one of the sharks born parthenogenesis in the aquarium was still alive. The two adults, who share a large display tank with other Mediterranean marine species, are “in good health.”
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Source: Gazeta
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