In species studied, some commonly live to 15-30 years of age, and there are species that probably live to 50 years of age or longer. Most of the shark species contributing to commercial and sport catches reach sexual maturity at an advance age. The dusky shark matures at 17 years of age and the sandbar at 15-16. Tiger sharks mature at an intermediate 8-10 years of age. This is the most primitive mode of reproduction.
Females have large eggs with yolk to nourish the young through development.
There is no parental care invested in development of the young. An egg case made of protein fibers covers the developing embryo and is released to the environment. Development continues in the egg case for several months to a year. This the most common mode of shark reproduction. Embryos in the female s uterus are nourished by yolk stored in a yolk sac.