What's Happening?
Scientists have documented a unique nurse shark with orange skin and white eyes, attributed to two rare genetic conditions: xanthism and albinism. The shark was spotted during a fishing trip in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica, in August last year and was recently described in the journal Marine Biodiversity. Xanthism reduces darker pigmentation, enhancing orange and yellow tones, while albinism limits melanin production, resulting in white eyes with no visible irises. This discovery marks the first recorded instance of an orange shark, resembling an oversized koi fish rather than a typical nurse shark.
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Why It's Important?
The discovery of this ultra-rare shark highlights the complexity and diversity of marine life, emphasizing the importance of genetic research in understanding species variations. Such findings can inform conservation strategies, particularly for species affected by genetic anomalies. The presence of rare genetic conditions in marine animals may also provide insights into environmental stressors and their impact on wildlife. This discovery could lead to further studies on the genetic diversity of marine species and the ecological factors influencing their development.
