With love in the air –and water — this Valentine’s Day, the lovely ladies at Shark Angels have compiled some interesting facts about the reproductive habits of sharks.
1. Twice the equipment
Male sharks have two penises called claspers. Yes. You read that right. Yet another reason to admire their sheer awesomeness.
2. No need to turn out the light
Greenland sharks don’t reach sexual maturity until about 150 years of age. By that point, they’re mostly blind due to the copepods on their eyes. It’s probably better that way. After all, who looks pretty at 150 years?
3. Men = optional
If plentyoffish.com doesn’t work, many species of female sharks can impregnate themselves. Bonnetheads, hammerheads and zebra sharks have surprised scientists by producing offspring after years without male company.
4. It’s not all roses
Shark courtship involves a heck of a lot of biting… and even putting the female into a catatonic state. That’s why female sharks have 40% thicker skin than men… That and because they are always being called man-eating monsters.
5. A shark eat shark world
Some sharks such as Porbeagle sharks are oviparous which means they hatch from eggs inside the uterus. The hungry hatchlings engage in oophagy – they eat their unhatched siblings! Once they’ve finished off their siblings in one uterus, they will sometimes swim to the other uterus to continue their feasting. (Bonus point if you can figure out how to bring up the word oophagy in casual dinner conversation.)
If you are looking for a great gift for the shark lover in your life this Valentine’s Day, Shark Angels is offering the chance to adopt a shark in their name that includes their very own soft plush shark. Choose from six species. All proceeds fuel their campaigns to save sharks. They’ll even include a Valentine’s Day card.
For more information, go to: https://shop.sharkangels.org/original/?utm_source=remarkety&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Valentines%20Day%201&utm_content=&_rmId=DQ6N0Wz73kULbdrVGDlqT9glKRzN7NS2R5N