Vic shark pup an Australian first

The first shark born in Australia through artificial insemination is causing a frenzy at Melbourne Aquarium.

The 16cm brownbanded bamboo pup was born on March 3 as part of a nine-year project aimed at understanding mating behaviours of sharks native to Australia.

It is the first shark in Australia born outside of natural means, Melbourne Aquarium says.

In another first, the pioneering pup also becomes the only shark to be born via live semen sample which was transported between facilities.

The successful birth marks advancements in artificial insemination, the aquarium said, and will play a part in further developing and implementing captive shark breeding programs.