Last weekend we did a sneaky little visit to our www.sardinesafari.co.za partner Buddy Scuba Dive Adventures. And great news! The raggie sharks have started arriving on Aliwal Shoal!
Video credit Deon Loubser from Buddy Scuba Dive Adventures
The winter season on Aliwal Shoal is an exciting time for marine enthusiasts, as it marks the beginning of the gestation period for the infamous raggie sharks. These sleek predators are known for their distinctive grey and white coloring, as well as their impressive size and strength.
During the winter months, the female raggie sharks gather in large numbers on the Shoal to mate with the males. After mating, the females begin their gestation period, which lasts for approximately 12 months.
Now, you might be thinking to yourself, "12 months? That's a long time!" And you're right, it is a long time. But for these magnificent creatures, it's all part of the circle of life. Plus, it gives them plenty of time to get ready for the next generation of raggie sharks.
While the female sharks are gestating, they tend to stick together in small groups. This provides them with protection from other predators, as well as the opportunity to socialize and bond with their fellow expectant mothers.
As the gestation period progresses, the females will start to show signs of pregnancy. Their bellies will swell, and they will become noticeably slower and more docile. This is all perfectly normal, and it's a sign that the raggie sharks are doing what nature intended.
For those lucky enough to witness the gestation period firsthand, it's an awe-inspiring experience. Watching these majestic creatures swim gracefully through the water, carrying the next generation of raggie sharks inside them, is a true testament to the wonders of the natural world.
So, if you're ever in the area during the winter months, be sure to keep an eye out for the raggie sharks on Aliwal Shoal. Who knows, you might just witness the miracle of life unfolding before your very eyes!
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