A unique six-and-a-half-foot nurse shark caught in Costa Rica displayed xanthism and albinism, a first-ever documentation of xanthism in cartilaginous fish. Xanthism creates golden skin tones, while albinism leads to white eyes and reduced camouflage. This unusual pigmentation raises questions regarding the genetics and adaptability of nurse sharks. The discovery may indicate either a singular occurrence or a potential new genetic trend in the population. Although xanthism is rare across species, it has been noted in some freshwater fish, birds, and reptiles, often impacting survival due to increased visibility.
Xanthism has been observed in a few fish species but never documented in cartilaginous fish, which includes sharks, rays, and skates, in the Caribbean.
The shark, exhibiting both xanthism and albinism, displayed rare pigmentation resulting in striking yellow tones and white eyes, unlike the typical brown appearance of nurse sharks.
Researchers are curious whether the discovery of this yellow nurse shark is a one-time occurrence or indicative of a new genetic trend among local nurse sharks.
Xanthism is rare overall in the animal kingdom, previously recorded in some fish, birds, and reptiles, usually lowering survival rates due to increased visibility.
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