Uterine fluid composition of the dwarf ornate wobbegong shark (Orectolobus ornatus) during gestation
Megan T. Ellis A B and Nicholas M. Otway A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Industry and Investment NSW, Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, Taylors Beach, NSW 2316, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: sharkymegs@hotmail.com
Marine and Freshwater Research 62(6) 576-582 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF10138
Submitted: 15 June 2010 Accepted: 8 January 2011 Published: 24 June 2011
Journal Compilation © CSIRO Publishing 2011 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Low fecundity in chondrichthyans makes them extremely susceptible to fishing, so understanding the various reproductive strategies in this group is vital for management. Knowledge of the uterine fluid (UF) composition throughout gestation is fundamental to this understanding, yet is restricted to a few species. This study focussed on the UF composition of the wobbegong (Orectolobus ornatus), which inhabits coastal waters off eastern Australia. The UF was quantified throughout pregnancy. Fluids surrounding uterine eggs had a complex composition, with mean urea (98.48 mmol L–1), sodium (560.25 mmol L–1) and potassium (13.93 mmol L–1) concentrations significantly greater than those in seawater. A change in composition, from complex to simple, occurred after 3–4 months gestation. Major electrolyte concentrations then resembled seawater for the remainder of gestation, suggesting the flushing of the uteri with seawater and evidenced by fluctuating low levels of urea. The gestation period reflected the time for metabolism of yolk stores, osmotic and ionic adjustment, development of functioning immunological systems and prevention of external yolk sac damage. Our study is the first documentation of UF composition for a wobbegong shark and increases understanding of its reproductive biology.
Additional keywords: biochemistry, elasmobranch, reproduction.
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