Two female zebra sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum or varium) at Vinpearland Park in Nha Trang laid eggs without male sharks. After nearly five months of incubation, the first unisex baby shark was born.

VietNamNet Bridge – Two female zebra sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum or varium) at Vinpearland Park in Nha Trang laid eggs without male sharks. After nearly five months of incubation, the first unisex baby shark was born.

Nha Trang in summer

The baby shark at Vinpearland park.

The tank where the two female zebra sharks have lived for over one year at Vinpearland Park has no male sharks. Still, after one year, the first female shark (over 2.5m long) laid her eggs and a baby shark was born in late June.

Nha Trang Oceanography Institute scientists commented that this is an abnormal phenomenon in nature and is the first time a unisex shark was born in Vietnam.

The second female shark just laid over ten eggs, half of them without citellus. Others with citellus can develop embryos and Vinpearland Park is incubating these eggs.

An Nha Trang Oceanography Institute expert explained said asexual reproduction happens when eggs develop embryos without sperm from a male. This is a normal phenomenon among some species of insects, but it is rare for fish and reptiles and has never been seen in mammals.

“Until now sharks have not been listed as animals with asexual reproduction. This phenomenon has only been recorded once in the US. We need to perform a DNA test to verify what happened,” the scientist added.

Others remarked that this is a very important discovery that is very meaningful for shark preservation.

Vinpearland Park is breeding seven species of sharks which are listed as endangered.

PV