Portable-size artificial uterine system for viviparous shark embryos.

Abstract

In this study, we developed a portable artificial uterus specifically designed for viviparous elasmobranchs (sharks and batoids). This new method is different from the previous method owing to the absence of fluid-cleaning filters, a smaller amount of incubation fluid, and the use of a mini-sized refrigerator for temperature control. Due to these modifications, the total weight decreased to approximately 40 kg, which is less than one-twentieth that of the previous system. We confirmed that embryonic lanternsharks (<i>Etmopterus molleri</i>) survived in this system for over two months, demonstrating its efficacy. In addition to its primary use as an extra-uterine life support system for viviparous elasmobranch embryos in laboratory conditions, the new system can be used for the long-term transport of premature embryos, which was not feasible with previous systems.•A novel artificial uterine system for viviparous elasmobranchs was developed.•The new system is reduced in size to a portable level by simplifying the previous system.•This system can be used for long-term transport of prematurely born embryos.