How Do Sharks Reproduce?

Attraction

There are many different species and types of sharks. Most all of those species have a different mating ritual. It is difficult to generalize one particular behavior that is indicative of all sharks. There are a few main things, however, that all male and female sharks do to attract the opposite sex. The sharks bite each other to show interest. Some sharks change color to attract the opposite sex. There are also some mating rituals that humans don't yet understand. For example, the basking shark begins a synchronized circling pattern within a large group before they mate.

Fertilization

Once a male and female shark of any species find their desired mate they swim, one on top of the other. The male places something called a clasper into the oviduct of the female shark. This is similar to a penis. He then fertilizes the eggs that lay inside.

Gestation

There are three main types of sharks: Ovoviviparous, Viviparous and Oviparous. Each has a completely different way of carrying or not carrying their eggs. Ovoviviparous sharks hold the eggs in their bodies to hatch. Once the eggs hatch, the baby sharks stay inside the mother, but get nourishment only from their remaining egg yolks. The mother does nothing directly to nourish her young. The difference between viviparous and ovoviviparous sharks is the directly nourishment of the mother. Viviparous sharks actually have a placental connection to their babies. Oviparous sharks are much different from the previous two. Once their eggs are fertilized, they deposit the eggs in the water. Typically, the eggs stick to rocks and are protected with a hard, gelatin-like casing. Once hatched, the baby sharks have to fend for themselves right from the beginning. The mothers do nothing to protect their eggs.

Birth

The two types of sharks that actually give birth are the Ovoviviparous and the Viviparous. In both cases, newborn sharks are left to fend for themselves. The mothers literally have nothing to do with their babies once they leave the body. These babies, however, do stay inside the female shark until they are physically prepared for for open water, so they are typically fine.

Resources

• Sharks World.com
• Discovery Channel