Shark pups grow inside ‘mermaids’ purses’ at Central Coast Aquarium

For the first time, the swell sharks at the Central Coast Aquarium in Avila Beach have successfully laid eggs.The sharks’ egg cases are called "mermaids’ purses." There are currently 14 egg cases at the aquarium. The shark pups will grow in the cases for nine to 12 months before hatching.Check this out! These are called mermaid purses. Inside are the eggs of baby swell sharks. It’s the first time the @CentralCoastAq has had a successful laying of swell shark egg cases! Super cool! pic.twitter.com/rF5GlQLHzb— Alexa Bertola (@Alexa_Bertola) July 23, 2018Aquarium officials say they’re looking into adjusting their permit so they can release some of them into the wild.The Central Coast Aquarium is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s located at 50 San Juan Street in Avila Beach. Every 30 minutes, the aquarium offers visitors a chance to pet the swell sharks in their touch tank.I touched a swell shark! Super cool! ?? You can too at the @CentralCoastAq every 30 min! They are closed on Monday’s. pic.twitter.com/b7K97IB978— Alexa Bertola (@Alexa_Bertola) July 24, 2018