In this incredible video captured by aquarium supervisor Jenn Rant, a female chain catshark is depositing an egg case on a piece of artificial kelp. The tough, protective egg cases of egg-laying sharks and rays are called “mermaid’s purses" and they tend to have long curly strands called tendrils at each corner to affix them to rocks or kelp. The incubation period for chain catshark eggs averages 8-12 months. The chain catshark egg cases featured at the end of the video were about four months in

Quick facts about this abundant bottom-dwelling shark species! The small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula, lesser spotted dogfish). Small-spotted catshark facts!! The small-spotted catshark is a small, bottom-dwelling shark species that is one of the most abundant sharks across its range. These sharks are widely distributed throughout the Northeast and Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, where they inhabit continental shelf and upper slope environments from shallow c

Feeling fin-tastic about feeding time this #SharkWeek! 🦈 Meet the chain catshark (Scyliorhinus retifer), our jaw-some friends here at the VIMS Visitor Center! We have a tank with two of these amazing sharks. Typically measuring 50 to 70 cm, they feature light gray and brown colors with a chain pattern that allows them to camouflage among their environment. Found in the western Atlantic at depths of 200 to 600 meters, they’re masters of disguise in rocky habitats. Chain catsharks primarily feed

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Baby sharks! 🎶 Some sharks lay eggs which are surrounded by tough leathery protective casing, commonly referred to as mermaid’s purses. These chain catshark egg cases were about four months into their eight and a half month development when this video was filmed. By using the technique of candling, harmlessly shining a bright light through the egg, keepers are able to ensure that a juvenile shark’s development is going well. 📸 Keeper Marcus | New York Aquarium

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While the majority of sharks give birth to live young, chain catsharks are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The eggs are laid in protective cases called mermaid’s purses. The female shark in this video filmed in Ocean Wonders: Sharks! is shown “tying” the long curly tendrils of the egg cases to kelp to anchor them. This prevents the developing eggs from being swept away by tides or currents. Anchoring the egg cases is crucial to protecting them for the next eight to twelve months until they hat

🐶🦈 Happy National Dog Day… with a twist! Meet the Chain Dogfish—a small but striking catshark whose name is a bit of a misnomer! 🎨 Look: Its bold, chain-like pattern helps it blend perfectly with its surroundings. 🍽️ Diet: Squid, small fish, worms, and crustaceans are on the menu. 👶 Reproduction: Females lay boxy, tendril-tipped “mermaid’s purses” to protect their young. 📏 Size: Up to 20 inches long! 💡 Fun Fact: Despite the “dogfish” name, this species is part of the catshark family! Come