Last week, our friend Chris brought us a new female Carpet Shark that was caught in his lobster pots. The day after the new resident arrived, it started to lay an egg. The process takes about an hour and involves the female moving among seaweed and attaching some of the sticky, springy strands that are attached to the egg case. 
Once attached, these strings assist in the birth by pulling the egg from the shark's body and helps anchor the egg case to the seabed. As far as we know, It will remain there for between 6 months to a year depending on the type of carpet shark and the water temperature.
Several years ago, we had one egg that hatched out after 9 months, while other Centres reported their eggs took as long as one year. Our volunteer, Marine Biology student Eddie, began a study to monitor our eggs devleopment over the next year and will report monthly.
Click here if you'd like to learn more about this fascinating group of sharks, that includes Whale Sharks, the largest fish in the sea.
Come to the Bait House Aquarium on any Sunday between 10 am and 3 pm to check on our newest resident and her offspring in the making!