Social media has whipped itself into a frenzy over the imminent virgin birth of up to four stingray pups from a mother-to-be named Charlotte, who has never shared her tank with a male stingray partner.
Charlotte’s peculiar situation came to light after staff at The Aquarium and Shark Lab in North Carolina discovered a lump that made them fear that the 12-14 year-old stingray could be suffering from cancer. However, an ultrasound later revealed that the miraculous fish was in fact pregnant with a number of tiny pups, despite the complete notable long-term absence of a male stingray partner.
Two leading theories were put forward to explain the virgin pregnancy, the first of which naturally pointed the fin at Charlotte’s tank mates: a pair of white-spotted bamboo sharks known as Moe and Larry, who could well have attempted to get freaky with the rust-coloured ray.
@_teamecco_ Charlotte update 2-24-24. She greeted lots of new friends today including the staff divers who got in the tank. Shoutout @GoPro ♬ golden hour - piano version - main character melodies
However, some experts are sceptical of the idea that Larry or Moe could be responsible for the pregnancy, citing substantial differences in the DNA of sharks and rays that should make them incompatible for breeding, along with some anatomical issues that we really don't need to get into here.
Can Charlotte the Stingray hurry up and give birth already pic.twitter.com/1UrYUtc99X
— Simone ✨ (@simonebeee) February 21, 2024
How am I supposed to focus when Charlotte the Stingray could go into labor at any moment now
— Nat (@n02409177) February 20, 2024
Is anyone following the pregnant stingray in North Carolina story?
— Lauren ? (@lllaurenA) February 17, 2024
Charlotte has captivated the aquatic world.
(There are no males in her tank. She either is carrying the second coming of stingray Jesus OR she got nasty with a shark)
Following this Charlotte the Stingray divine pregnancy news like I'm Maury holding the paternity test results. pic.twitter.com/ZK16xS7uEF
— Kelly (@magikell) February 19, 2024
The second, and more likely, explanation is Charlotte’s pregnancy arose thanks to a rare biological process known as parthenogenesis, which sees an egg split and develop into a full embryo A-suxually, without the need for fertilization with male biological material. Scientists have observed parthenogenesis taking place among a number of species, ranging from zebra sharks and geckos to spiders and komodo dragons.
Charlotte is expected to give birth any day now, after which DNA testing on the pups will hopefully confirm the cause of the pregnancy. In the meantime it couldn't hurt to move Larry to a new tank.
Image credit: Aquarium & Shark Lab, TEAMECCO
Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer
