Shark oviparity is characterised by the production of relatively large egg cases, encapsulation of fertilised embryos in structurally complex and remarkably durable shells, and an incubation period lasting months to over a year (Hamlett, 1999).  Following insemination and storage of sperm, egg capsules are laid at daily to weekly intervals for periods of several months (Mellinger, 1983).  Enough evidence exists to suggest that females select sites to lay eggs and attach them to suitable substrata, perhaps returning to these places year after year.  After laying the eggs, embryonic development proceeds without further maternal contributions.  Essentially all of the nutrients necessary for development to hatching are contained in the egg itself, although water, minerals and possibly other solutes may be sequestered from the environment.  Approximately 40% of all shark species and all known skates employ oviparity of this type, however, no rays are known to be oviparous (Hamlett, 1999).

Video below shows the hatching of a bamboo shark, filmed by SOS.