A grand premiere at Nausicaá, the aquariology team was delighted to announce the birth of baby leopard sharks Triakis semifasciata at the aquarium in 2021.
Births of leopard sharks
A first in Europe: leopard sharks born at the end of 2021.
These births are a first for Europe!
There are 16 sharks, 8 females and 8 males, with an average length at birth of 21 cm and weight of 45 g.
The gestation of the two females proceeded peacefully in the aquariological reserves under regular veterinary supervision. The gestation period is 12 months.
Leopard sharks have an aplacental viviparous mode of reproduction, i.e. the eggs hatch inside the female's abdomen. It can give birth to 4 to 30 juveniles measuring around 20 cm.
An opportunity for research
These births, the first of their kind in a European aquarium, are a wonderful opportunity for the teams of biologists at Nausicaá to observe and study this species and the signs that can lead to their reproduction.
This valuable information can then be shared with scientific partners.
Baby sharks under surveillance
From the moment they are born, shark pups exhibit the spotted leopard-like coat that gives them their name.
They are under the watchful eye of the team of keepers in the temperate area. Weight, height, growth, diet, everything is kept in check!
After growing up at Nausicaá, some of them will go on to partner institutions in the programme and others will stay at Nausicaá.
A European conservation programme
These babies were born as part of a European conservation programme aimed at preserving these species.
Leopard sharks have been classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.
At Nausicaá for over 15 years
Nausicaá's adult leopard sharks arrived some fifteen years ago. Today, some of them measure more than 1.30 m.
They live in the Californian tank in the Mankind and Shores exhibition.
The conservation programmes at Nausicaá
Nausicaá is a unique biodiversity conservatory where several hundred offspring are born every year. Furthermore, Nausicaá participates in European conservation programmes to save endangered species.
First leopard sharks born at Nausicaa
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Destination Ocean / Live from Nausicaá
Live from the nursery: The leopard sharks are born!
A grand premiere at Nausicaá and in Europe!
The first leopard shark pups were born in spring 2021.
In total, there were 16 baby sharks: 8 females and 8 males measuring 21 cm and weighing 45 g on average at birth.
These babies were born as part of the European EEP - EAZA ex-situ conservation programme. In a few months' time, some of these juveniles will be going to partner establishments in the programme.
The leopard shark parents can be found in the Californian tank in the MANKIND AND SHORES exhibition.
The leopard shark Triakis semifasciata is born with spots reminiscent of the feline from which it takes its name.
Where does it live?
It is found on the west coast of the American continent from Oregon to the Gulf of California (Mexico).
IUCN STATUS (International Union for Conservation of Nature): LC (Least Concern)
Like the vast majority of sharks, the leopard shark is harmless to humans.
The leopard shark is aplacental viviparous, meaning that the eggs hatch inside the female's abdomen.
During gestation, the females were closely monitored by our veterinary surgeon.
Gestation period: 12 months
Ultrasound scans were used to monitor the growth of the baby sharks. The adult sharks and now the babies are the focus of the aquarium team's attention. The biologists keep a close eye on their well-being on a daily basis.
With these first births in Europe, the biologists at Nausicaá have a fantastic opportunity to study the species' reproductive cycle
This valuable information can then be shared with scientific partners.
Excellent news in terms of advancing our knowledge of this species.