DIVE LOG Australasia

Marine Biology of Sharks Shark Reproductive Techniques Text & Photos By MIKE SCOTLAND

S harks have an extraordinary natural history. They display an incredible variety in reproductive techniques. There are five broad methods of reproduction that vary in complexity from simple to complex and bizarre amongst the 400 to 500 species of sharks. Elasmodiver.com suggests that it is now close to five hundred species. Two mature adult male Grey Nurse sharks at North Solitary Islands showing claspers.

Female reproductive organs are in the cloaca between the anal fins.

88

DIVE LOG Australasia #408 - October ‘24

www.divelog.net.au