Reproduction of Squalus acanthias
Document source: http://fishbase.mnhn.fr/Reproduction/FishReproSummary.php?ID=139&GenusName=Squalus&SpeciesName=acanthias&fc=13&StockCode=153
 
Main Ref. Compagno, L.J.V., 1984
Mode dioecism
Fertilization internal (oviduct)
Mating type monogamy:
Spawning frequency
Spawning aggregation Ref.  
Batch spawner Ref.  
Reproductive guild bearers
internal live bearers
Parental Care maternal
Description of life cycle and mating behavior Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205). Ovoviviparous, with litters of 1 to 21 young (Ref. 247, 88865). Mating probably occurs in winter. Gestation period of 18 to 24 months, longest known of all chondrichthyans (Ref. 26346). Size at birth 18-30 cm (Ref. 26346). In the northeast Atlantic, pups are born in winter, with size at birth about 26-28 cm (Ref. 88864). Sex ratio at birth is 1:1. Gravid females congregate in enclosed shallow bays to give birth (Ref. 247). The mother shark experiences a series of rhythmic contractions, just like in mammals, and the young are delivered head first. Larger older females have bigger litters with larger pups; a female with 100 cm TL carries on average 4 times as many embryos compared to a 70 cm female and the former have higher survival rates than those born to small females (Ref. 4856, 88869, 88883).
Search for more references on reproduction Scirus
(e.g. 9948)
( e.g. cephalopods )
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