NINE IS THE LUCKIEST NUMBER AT SEA LIFE™ AQUARIUM - FIRST SHARK EGG LAID on 9/9/09!
CARLSBAD, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2009) – Nine is a lucky number here at SEA LIFE™ Aquarium – a little after 9 a.m., this morning, 9/9/2009, the first epaulette shark eggs in the Aquarium’s one-year history were laid. The egg cases, also called “mermaid’s purses” will be moved to the Shark Nursery, which is part of the Sharks Revealed exhibit.
Epaulette sharks (Hemiscyllium ocellatum) are named for the large, white-circled black spot behind each pectoral fin, which are reminiscent of military epaulettes. These small sharks are found in shallow, tropical waters and grow to a length of 3 feet.
Epaulette eggs hatch after approximately four months and the newborn sharks will be approximately 6 inches long. Epaulettes are independent creatures – after hatching, the epaulette pups will fend for themselves with no parental care. There are currently seven epaulette sharks on display in SEA LIFE Aquarium’s Ray Lagoon, which is where the babies will move when they leave the Shark Nursery.
Sharks Revealed opened in May and is an interactive exhibit designed to introduce children to the life cycle and evolution of sharks. There families learn how sharks eat, breathe and “sleep” while gaining an understanding of these great creatures. The exhibit includes a graphic timeline showing the evolution of sharks from 350 million years ago to today; a live display of sharks showing their development from eggs to adults; local shark species found off the coast of Carlsbad; an interactive "shark lab" where guests interact one-on-one with a shark expert; and a large-scale model of a “mermaid’s purse” for a fun photo opportunity..
For more information, visit www.sealifeus.com or call 760-918-5346.