Nine small-spotted cat sharks have been born after their eggs were rescued from a fish market in Majorca, when the fishmongers realized some catch were pregnant.
The egg cases were rescued from female cat sharks sent to a market in Palma de Majorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands.
While fishmongers were cleaning the cat sharks, they discovered the egg cases and contacted a conservation group called Cayume, which is running a project called Eggcase 2020.
Nine eggs from small-spotted cat sharks (Scyliorhinus canicula) have been born so far — five in April and the other four in early May.
Others are expected to be born soon in the incubation facilities at the agricultural department of the Balearic Islands' government.
“The incubation process is the most delicate part,” said Cayume marine biologist Claudia Pich.
“The water temperature needs to be between 17 and 18 degrees, so the embryos develop properly. Bear in mind these animals spawn in deep waters where the sea temperature is stable,” she said.
“Once they hatch, generally at night, we put the offspring in another aquarium until we are sure they are feeding properly.” The cat sharks are fed mussels, anchovy and squids greased with cod oil.
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