Scientists Confirm Shark's Virgin Birth

(NEWSER) - Tiger sharks are known for eating anything—including metal junk, other sharks, and people—but the Long Beach Aquarium seems to have landed the world's choosiest one, the Los Angeles Times reports. The new arrival, one of very few tiger sharks in captivity in the US, regularly turns up its snout at restaurant grade steak, tuna, and lobster, causing headaches for staffers trying to choose from more than 30 menu items. More»

Endangered species conference labeled 'a disaster for conservation'

(NEWSER) - Conservationists were left fuming yesterday after a UN conference on endangered species failed to win protection for a single marine species. Asian nations, led by Japan, defeated efforts to restrict trade in coral, sharks, and bluefin tuna. The one species to be given protected status, the porbeagle shark, had its status revoked on the last day of the conference after Asian nations reopened debate. More»

New study finds sharks much closer to extinction

(NEWSER) - Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...it probably is. Great White sharks are now even more endangered than tigers, according to a new study. Researchers who tagged and tracked the sharks determined that their numbers have fallen below those of the 3,500 tigers estimated to still exist in the wild, the Telegrap h reports. Their number has dropped an estimated 90% in 20 years. More»

Homebuilding is first time tool use has been seen among octopi

(NEWSER) - Australian scientists observing octopi on the sea floor near Indonesia were amazed to discover that the creatures scoop up coconut halves, empty them out, and carry them around to assemble into shelters. The behavior shows a surprising level of intelligence, the researchers say, and is the first recorded instance of tool use among octopi or any invertebrate creature. More»

Aquarium stunned by surprise birth

(NEWSER) - Never mind nurse sharks: A New Zealand aquarium appears to be home to a midwife shark. A shark there bit another in the midsection, effectively giving it a Caesarean section and causing four babies to swim out of the wound as shocked visitors looked on. Staffers found four more babies tucked inside the shark and moved all eight to a tank where they would be safe from the aquarium's stingrays and other sharks. More»