Shark Eggs?

[FoxTrot]

Hello,

Is there a type of shark that lays eggs that sort of look like a half circle pea pod? What type of shark, if so?

I dove Shaws Cove here in CA last March (first Ocean dive) and these things were littered all over the bottom. My dive buddy put a hand on his head to immitate a shark fin. When we got out he told me they were shark eggs.

For whatever reason I was just thinking about it and happened to be on here so I thought I'd ask about it.

 

[FoxTrot]

Hmm, maybe they were giant pea pods! lol

 

[pir8]

I'm pretty sure sharks are all live bearers but I could be mistaken about that.

 

[FoxTrot]

I really have no clue. I did a google search before I posted this and found that some lay eggs I guess, but I could not find any pictures bearing resemblance to what I saw.

And it could be that my buddy was messing with me to see how I'd react also.

Not quite sure, but that's why I posted (chancing looking foolish )

 

[FoxTrot]

Shark Babies

 

[pir8]

Well there ya go somedo lay eggs.

 

[FoxTrot]

Yea, but I was interested in what kind of eggs these were (if they were actually eggs). My first thought when coming across them was where is the mom? heh.

 

[sharky60]

YES, some sharks & rays lay eggs. most of the large sharks hatch the eggs inside the body and bear the pups live, but some smaller varieties lay the eggs.

the little egg package is called a mermaid's purse. they are usually somewhat pillow shaped with a long curved "spike", if you will, at the end of each corner. others are somewhat "screw" shaped.

the eggs are usually a little transluscent so if you put light to the back of it you can see the shark or ray embryo inside.

 

[Scared Silly]

Given that you were diving Shaw's Cove in S. California they are probably Horn Sharks. If you dive out at Catalina you will find them tucked down in the rocks.

CALIFORNIAN HORN SHARK

Crested Horn Shark, Heterodontus galeatus - egg case

Kelp Forests: Horn Shark

 

[FoxTrot]

Thanks for the great info. I can't say for sure if that is the type of egg case or not. I thought it was more flat than spiraled, but it was also a few months ago.

Either way, cool! I like learning about this stuff. Thanks!