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spaminator

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Mystery surrounds shark pup born in tank that has housed only female sharks
Author of the article:Denette Wilford
Published Feb 04, 2025 • Last updated 1 day ago • 1 minute read

A shark pup was born in a Louisiana aquarium tank — but no one knows how.


The Shreveport Aquarium announced the hatching of a baby swell shark on Jan. 3 — but the pup was born in a tank that contains only two female sharks.

If that wasn’t confounding enough, the two females have not been in contact with any male sharks — only other females — for the last three years.

The aquarium said there are two possible explanations for the birth of Yoko — delayed fertilization or parthenogenesis.

Delayed fertilization occurs when a female animal becomes pregnant months or even years after mating.

Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction, an extremely rare occurrence, but there are several documented cases in sharks.

The team that manages marine life at the facility will conduct a DNA analysis of the shark pup when it is large enough to have blood drawn in a few months, the aquarium said in a news release.


The testing should indicate how the pup came into existence, the statement noted.


Swell sharks, native to the coastal waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, are known for their unique ability to swell their bodies with water or air to deter predators.

Yoko is being closely monitored as sharks born through parthenogenesis or delayed fertilization can often face complications.

“This situation is incredible and shows the resilience of this species,” Greg Barrick, curator of live animals at Shreveport Aquarium, said in a statement.

“We are very excited in the coming months to confirm whether this was indeed a case of parthenogenesis or if it was delayed fertilization,” he said.

“It really proves that life finds a way.”
 
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Dixie Cup

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If true, this is truly disturbing. That child can't even talk yet. WTF is she doing to her boy? I just don't understand some people. Apparently, it's a way to make sure you are celebrated for being so damn progressive even if it's at the expense of children. The arrogance, the stupidity is astonishing!! How can we protect these kids from their own parents for heavens sake? This is child cruelty & abuse!! I sincerely hope that whatever "doctor" she goes to refuses to give her any type of medication. She likely wanted a "girl" but got a boy instead so hey, perfect fix - declare him to be trans!! Unbelievable.
 
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petros

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Nov 21, 2008
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If true, this is truly disturbing. That child can't even talk yet. WTF is she doing to her boy? I just don't understand some people. Apparently, it's a way to make sure you are celebrated for being so damn progressive even if it's at the expense of children. The arrogance, the stupidity is astonishing!! How can we protect these kids from their own parents for heavens sake? This is child cruelty & abuse!! I sincerely hope that whatever "doctor" she goes to refuses to give her any type of medication. She likely wanted a "girl" but got a boy instead so hey, perfect fix - declare him to be trans!! Unbelievable.
Its a sad sad world.
 
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