Leopard Shark ‘Three-Way’ Caught on Tape in a Scientific First

A remarkable event has been captured on film, showcasing a small group of leopard sharks engaging in a unique reproductive display in their natural habitat. The footage documents a rare three-way mating interaction, marking the first time this behavior has been observed and recorded by scientists.

In this captivating scene, a female leopard shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) was seen mating consecutively with two different males, a discovery that could provide important insights into the reproductive strategies of these endangered creatures. “Witnessing sharks mating in the wild is an uncommon occurrence, so capturing this event on film—especially with an endangered species—was nothing short of exhilarating. We couldn’t contain our excitement,” stated marine biologist and ecologist Hugo Lassauce from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.

Related: Zebra Shark Makes World-First Switch From Sexual to Asexual Reproduction

Despite their familiarity, there remains a surprising amount of mystery surrounding shark reproduction. Their lives in the ocean are complex, and their reproductive behaviors and anatomy can be quite intricate. Leopard sharks, often referred to as zebra sharks due to the distinct stripes seen on young sharks, exhibit notable reproductive versatility; they can switch between sexual reproduction and a form of asexual reproduction known as parthenogenesis.

Parthenogenesis can lead to decreased genetic variability, but it serves as a survival strategy when population sizes dwindle. The recent observations conducted by Lassauce while studying shark populations off the coast of New Caledonia have the potential to expand our understanding of varying mating strategies among these animals. It was the first time he witnessed the entire mating sequence.

Lassauce recounted, “Previously, I’d only observed males chasing females, arriving on the scene after the pair had already separated. This time, while surveying a gathering of leopard sharks, I noticed a female accompanied by two males, both of whom were grasping her pectoral fins on the ocean floor. I instructed my colleague to steer the boat away to minimize disturbance, then, eager to observe, I waited patiently on the surface, watching the nearly motionless sharks below.”

“I spent an hour in the water, braving the cold, but eventually the sharks began to rise. The entire process was swift; the first male took 63 seconds and the second just 47 seconds to complete their mating. Afterward, the males appeared exhausted, lying motionless on the ocean floor, while the female actively swam away,” he added.

All three sharks measured approximately 2.3 meters (7.5 feet) long. Characterized by their slow and gentle nature, leopard sharks primarily feed on gastropods and crustaceans, posing no threat to humans.

The significance of this mating behavior is still being explored, but initial assessments suggest that while parthenogenesis can reduce genetic variance, successful mating with multiple partners can enhance it. This introduces an interesting dynamic into the reproduction of leopard sharks.

Interestingly, while not directly relevant in this instance, it’s noteworthy that female sharks of certain species possess special reproductive organs called oviducal glands, allowing them to store sperm. This ability enables females to choose optimal conditions for fertilization, with some species capable of preserving sperm for several years.

According to marine biologist Christine Dudgeon from the University of the Sunshine Coast, “The evidence indicates that the site in New Caledonia is a vital mating ground. This information is crucial for informing conservation and management strategies, as well as enhancing our understanding of population dynamics and reproductive behaviors widely.” Dudgeon expressed her intrigue regarding the instances of sequential male involvement, noting, “From a genetic diversity perspective, it is essential to ascertain how many males contribute to the egg batches produced by females each year.”