Ever seen a black pouch tangled in coral that looks like sea trash?
You may have discovered something far more precious — a shark egg, or as some call it, a Mermaid’s Purse.
Today, Love Andaman dives into the mysterious world of shark eggs — and how spotting one reveals the hidden magic of a thriving marine ecosystem.
Table of Contents
🦈 What Is a Shark Egg?
Shark eggs are leathery pouches where baby sharks develop.
Usually oblong and dark brown to black, these pouches have spiral or tendril-like attachments to anchor themselves to rocks or coral — safe from strong currents and predators.
Certain shark and ray species, such as bamboo sharks or wobbegongs, lay these eggs instead of giving birth to live young.
They’re often mistaken for trash… but they are in fact tiny miracles of marine life.
⏳ How Long Do They Take to Hatch?
- Female sharks deposit these egg cases in reef areas
- The embryo inside develops over 6 to 12 months, depending on the species and water temperature
- Some pouches are even semi-transparent — if you look closely, you might see a tiny shark wriggling inside!
- Once matured, the young shark breaks out and swims away independently
No nest. No parent. Just instinct and survival — nature at its most raw and remarkable.
🌿 Why Are Shark Eggs Important?
Shark eggs are indicators of a healthy reef system.
They require calm, clean conditions to remain anchored and undisturbed — which means their presence reflects minimal human interference and rich biodiversity.
By protecting areas where shark eggs are found, we protect the entire food chain — from coral to fish to apex predators.
❗Important: Never touch, move, or collect shark eggs. A photo is fine, but let the ocean take care of its young.
📍 Where Can You Find Shark Eggs in the Andaman Sea?
While not always easy to spot, shark eggs have been discovered in several pristine locations around southern Thailand:
- Coral reefs around the Surin Islands
- Deeper dive spots near the Similan Islands
- Natural reefs around Maiton Island and offshore zones near Phuket
Experienced guides and dive masters from Love Andaman have found these eggs during eco-focused tours — especially in protected marine zones.
🛥️ Want to See One? Join an Eco-Friendly Marine Tour
Although sightings aren’t guaranteed (and shouldn’t be disturbed!), you might get lucky on these responsible nature tours:
- 🐠 Surin Islands Snorkeling Tour – shallow coral reefs, ideal for spotting
- 🐠 Similan Islands Diving Tour – rich biodiversity and deeper reef edges
- 🌿 Eco Friendly Island Tours – low-impact travel focused on marine conservation
These trips are designed for marine life lovers — the ones who seek wonder, not just Instagram moments.
📸 Share Your Discovery — Without Disturbing It
If you’re fortunate enough to spot a shark egg, take only photos — not the pouch!
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