The nurse shark was seen in Costa Rican waters near Tortuguero National Park and was captured at a depth of 37 metres (and subsequently released). Its yellow-orange skin, an indication of a pigmentation condition known as xanthism. Xanthism is considered extremely rare in the animal kingdom and this is the first documented case of xanthism in the species and the first record of any species in the Caribbean Sea.
Scientists noted it likely also has albinism as its eyes were a pasty white with “no visible irises”.
While some researchers argue that animals with xanthism face lower survival rates, the scientists don’t believe the genetic variations will have any impact on the shark’s lifespan since it has already reached adulthood, even though it lacks the crucial camouflage ability.
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