The frilled shark: 3.5 years pregnant

The frilled shark: a living fossil of the oceans

The frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) is a fascinating and prehistoric marine animal that is often referred to as a “living fossil”. Here are some exciting facts about this extraordinary shark:

Appearance and habitat

The frilled shark has a unique, eel-like appearance with a long, slender body and a broad, flattened head. It can grow up to two metres long and has 300 needle-like teeth arranged in 25 rows. These teeth help it to catch and hold its prey effectively.

Frilled sharks live in deep waters, usually at depths of between 200 and 1,200 metres. They can be found in various oceans around the world, including the Atlantic and Pacific.

Gestation period

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the frilled shark is its extremely long gestation period. Female ruffed sharks are pregnant for at least 3.5 years, which is the longest known gestation period for a vertebrate. This long gestation period allows the embryos to fully develop before they are born.

Behaviour and nutrition

Frilled sharks are slow swimmers and hunt mainly at night. Their diet consists of various fish, squid and other small marine animals. They are known for snatching their prey in a quick dash, similar to snakes.

Protection status

Although the frilled shark is not considered endangered, it is difficult to study due to its deep habitat and rare sightings. However, protecting its habitat is important to ensure that these fascinating creatures can continue to exist in our oceans.

Conclusion

The frilled shark is a remarkable example of the diversity and wonder of the marine world. Its primeval appearance and unique biological characteristics make it a fascinating object of study for scientists and marine enthusiasts alike.

What does this have to do with Lagona Divers?

Our base at Hostmark Zabargad Beach Resort was due to open on 1 June 2024. Unfortunately, the hotel was “pregnant” with the opening for quite a long time. This raised the question: “What is the maximum length of a pregnancy in the wild?” The frilled shark is obviously the absolute winner among marine animals. We hope that we won’t break its record with Lagona Divers – Hamata.