German researchers reported two parthenogenetic events within a family of the whitespotted bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium plagiosum). A captive female produced multiple parthenogens. Even more remarkable was that one of the female parthenogens reproduced asexually again producing viable offspring. As far as is known, this is the first genetically confirmed evidence for second-generation facultative parthenogenesis in vertebrates. This was proven through genetic studies, the results were published in the first week of january in the Journal of Fish Biology.

Parthenogenesis occurs naturally in many plants, some invertebrate animal species and a few vertebrates. The finding shows that an animal conceived by parthenogenesis can be fertile. It implies that parthenogenesis may be an alternative to sexual reproduction.