First ever ultrasound image of a pregnant female shark! - video

American scientists managed to examine a pregnant female tiger shark – galeocerdo cuvier – using an ultrasound scanner. Thanks to this, they managed to collect pioneering material, which allows to assess the course of pregnancy of Emilly, as this is the name of the future mother of small sharks, measuring 3.7 m. The film from this unusual event premiered during the recent series “Shark Week” on the Discovery Channel.

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In addition to the course of the pregnancy itself, the ultrasound also made it possible to answer the question of how many young will be born. The study carried out and the technology used to conduct it completely changes the previous way of studying pregnant sharks. Until now, these creatures were opened and only studied by scientists. Now this type of practice will no longer be necessary, and the hunger for knowledge can be satisfied in a bloodless way.

The first successful ultrasound study was conducted by Neil Hammerschalg of The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and James Sulikowsi of the University of New England.

As a result, it has been established that twenty young sharks measuring 40-45 cm are preparing to be born in the shark’s womb!

“It was a great experience! Emily was full of youngsters in the final stages of development. I had never seen anything like it before! They looked just like sardines squeezed in a can!” – reported an exasperated Prof James Sulikowski.

What is more, the quality of the acquired image and the number of details allows, apart from the general outline of their shapes, to clearly observe their nostrils, eyes or rows of teeth! Thanks to their findings, the scientists were able to conclude that the cubs are well developed and will soon be born.

After the study was completed, the mum-to-be was tagged with a special geo-marker that will allow her to be followed. The researchers hope to learn more about pregnant tiger sharks, which may lead to better protection and peaceful development of their young. After about a year, Emily will dispose of the geo-marker and the research process will be completed.

“Information on where pregnant sharks go is one of the most valuable pieces of news we can acquire with modern technology. If it turns out to be a specific area, we will be able to put it under special protection that will help ensure the survival of the species,” Sulikowski concluded.

Source: daliymail.co.uk