Mysterious Impregnation: Stingray's Miraculous Birth Without a Mate
TL;DR
A female stingray at a North Carolina aquarium is pregnant despite the absence of a male mate, prompting speculation about the cause. The aquarium is considering two possibilities: a rare form of asexual reproduction called parthenogenesis, or potential impregnation by a male shark. An ultrasound revealed that the swelling in the stingray's body was actually eggs, and bite marks on the stingray suggested mating behavior. The aquarium is awaiting the birth of the pups to confirm the cause of the pregnancy.
- Female stingray's mysterious pregnancy: Male shark could be culprit USA TODAY
- ‘We have no male ray’: Mystery stingray pregnancy surprises NC aquarium Fox Carolina
- Stingray will have 'malicious birth' with no mate as aquarium staff believe that a SHARK may have impregnated Daily Mail
- 'Miraculous birth' expected from stingray with no mate, possibly impregnated by shark KATU
- 'Miraculous birth' expected from stingray with no mate, possibly impregnated by shark KAKE
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