Shark Reproduction

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Sharks divide into two groups for reproduction purposes -- live-bearers and egg-layers.

The larger species produce live young that are fully formed, miniature versions of their parents and one pregnancy can bear from 2 to 50 young.

Mother sharks, however, offer no food or protection for their young. They may also eat their babies.

Young sharks do have a fighting chance, though, as they are born with a full set of teeth and the ability to swim.

Sharks Common to the Delaware-Maryland Coast

• The Common Hammerhead Shark
  
• The Atlantic Mako Shark
  
• The Sand Shark
  
• The Smooth Dogfish Shark
  
• The Spiny Dogfish Shark
  
• The Sandbar Shark

Number of attacks in Delaware from the International Shark Attack File

 

* Much of the information on this page courtesy of the University of Delaware Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service.

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