5-Month Pregnant Shark Spotted Off Coast Mauritius, with ‘Big and Round’ Belly

While exploring the depths off the coast of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, Stephane Robert, a wildlife photographer, had an extraordinary encounter. Emerging from the blue was a sizable gray reef shark, an unfamiliar sight for Robert. “Her belly was very big and round,” Robert recounted to Newsweek.

Accompanied by a shark specialist, it was estimated that the shark was likely about five months pregnant, marking the midpoint of the species’ gestation period.

Gray reef sharks predominantly inhabit the coral reefs of the Pacific and Indian oceans, dwelling at depths ranging from 0 to 164 feet. They are frequently observed in the waters surrounding Mauritius, an archipelago situated off the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Sea. These sharks reach lengths of 6 to 7 feet, attaining maturity around the age of 7 years.

Unlike some shark species, gray reef sharks are viviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. The gestation period for this species is notably protracted, spanning approximately 12 months, with mothers typically delivering one to six pups in each litter.

Though gray reef sharks often exhibit curiosity towards humans, Robert noted that these individuals displayed a sense of caution, maintaining a distance from the divers. While they are robust and formidable creatures, encounters resulting in altercations are exceedingly rare. In fact, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Shark File, there have been only eight confirmed shark bites on humans.

Robert shared captivating images of the pregnant shark with the Shark Photography Group on Facebook, amassing over 1,200 likes.

“A beautiful sight! The world needs more pregnant sharks!” enthused one user. Another remarked, “Absolutely amazing photo.”

Due to historical commercial fishing and their reliance on an increasingly vulnerable habitat, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has designated gray reef sharks as “near threatened” with extinction.

Robert actively participates in an acoustic tagging program for gray sharks in the waters surrounding Mauritius, aiming to gain deeper insights into their behavior and migration patterns. Over his years as a diver, he has witnessed a noticeable decline in their population.

“I’ve been diving for over 40 years and have encountered many sharks countless times,” he reflected. “Unfortunately, nowadays there are fewer and fewer sharks around Mauritius, and specifically fewer species left to be seen.”

Through his photography, Robert aspires to raise awareness about these graceful creatures and the fragile ocean ecosystems they inhabit.

“My entire life is dedicated to the protection of nature in general, but more specifically marine ecosystems,” he emphasized. “I strive to impart knowledge to encourage people to protect marine life.”

Original Article at NEWSWEEK