Annually recurring parthenogenesis in a zebra shark Stegostoma fasciatum

A zebra shark, Stegostoma fasciatum, held in captivity at the Burj Al Arab aquarium, produced embryos and pups in the absence of a male. A total of 15 pups were produced from eggs laid within the aquarium over a period of four consecutive years commencing 2007. Parthenogenesis was confirmed through DNA analysis for three pups sampled during the first two consecutive egg cycles and is presumed to be the method of reproduction responsible thereafter. (C) 2011 The Authors Journal of Fish Biology (C) 2011 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles