TPERPs and visitors were treated to an unusual sighting in the tidepools on Christmas Eve day. We found a swell shark hatching from its egg case, also referred to as a Mermaid’s Purse. The egg case was approximately 4-5 inches in length.

Needless to say it was quite popular with the visitors. Here you can see a crowd hanging around TPERP Jackie while she educates the visitors and helps protect the shark.

Unfortunately, the shark didn’t fully hatch before the tide came in, so we are hopeful it was able to survive. According to documentation, the shark normally comes out head first and uses its tail to finish exiting the egg case.

The next day we found this egg case in the same area. It was empty, so again we are hopeful that the baby shark was able to survive.

Sorry, we don’t have the baby shark song linked into the post, but now that the song is planted in your head…; and if you don’t know about the baby shark song, consider yourself lucky. 🙂

There have been several sightings of these egg cases in the tidepools, so keep a sharp lookout for them.

You can also find some other videos that have been posted on the VIPVoice. If you have other interesting videos, not just tidepools, but all things Cabrillo, let us know. Let’s share them with the other volunteers.