Most of the over 500 shark species give live birth (viviparous), however there are many oviparous, egg-laying, shark species.
Eggcases vary by species and come in many different shapes and sizes. Each unique case is a protective time capsule acting like nature's life-support machine, containing everything a baby shark needs to grow and eventually hatch as a miniature version of their parents.
DID YOU KNOW:
Generally, shark eggs have long curly tendrils at each end or are covered in fibres helping the case attach to seaweed or fit tightly among rocks on the seafloor to (hopefully) protect the developing embryo from being washed away by currents. Ray and skate species also lay similar eggcases, although theirs are usually more square with horns protruding from the corners.
WATCH NOW:
Horn Shark pup emerging from its spiral egg case!
Video via: Monterey Bay Aquarium
CLOSER LOOK: Swell Sharks
Female Swell Sharks produce as many as 4 eggs at a time and typically lay/hide them among rocky areas.
Swell shark pups take about 9 to 12 months to fully develop and emerge from their egg case at ~6 inches in length. Once they hatch, shark pups are fully independent, swimming solo to find food, like benthic invertebrates.
Video Via: EaglehawkDive
According to ancient legend, empty egg cases of swell sharks were considered to be 'mermaid purses'.
SHARK EGG HUNTING TIPS:
Safety fist! Remember to check tide times and take extra care around rocks/cliffs.
ALWAYS tell someone where you’re going- even better to go with a friend.
If possible, use a stick to rummage in seaweed and to avoid any nasty surprises
Respect wildlife and habitats by following local law(s) and common sense. Don’t take live animals home!
PRO TIP: as you're searching why not do some beach cleaning?
It goes hand in hand with hunting and
just being a good human to respect natural world.
Prime time for finding eggcases is after stormy weather when seaweed and debris has washed up on the beach. Be sure to search amongst washed up seaweed on the strand-line where eggs tend to blend in.
Once you spot one, check to make sure it’s definitely an empty eggcase. If a live embryo is inside, pop the eggcase back in the sea and (if possible) try to weigh it down on a side so it doesn’t wash ashore again. Empty eggcases have no secondary purpose as do other shells. Empty eggcases have no secondary purpose as do other shells.
Dried out eggcases are very light and may get blown to the back of the beach, or get trapped in grasses/sand dunes making those good areas to look.
Don't get discouraged if you don't see one at first, eggcases can wash up throughout the year!
Wanna find out more about mermaids purse?
Check out this article By SARAH VARIAN for further deets on how to find and ID egg cases!
Learn more about shark eggs through these source links:
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