First Recorded Orange Nurse Shark Found Off Costa Rica

A rare, bright orange nurse shark with white eyes was caught off the coast of Costa Rica near Tortuguero National Park, marking the first documented case of total xanthism in this species and region. The shark, measuring about six and a half feet, was caught by fisherman Garvin Watson during a sport fishing trip and later released; its unique coloration is due to xanthism, a genetic pigmentation disorder causing yellow or golden hues, combined with albinism indicated by its white eyes. This phenomenon, termed albino-xanthochromism, is exceptionally rare and has not been previously recorded in the Caribbean Sea. The discovery has intrigued marine biologists, as the shark’s survival despite its abnormal pigmentation suggests that such conditions do not hinder its viability. Researchers emphasize that this finding opens new avenues for studying genetic and environmental factors influencing pigmentation in marine animals. The case was documented in a peer-reviewed study published in Marine Biodiversity, and the shark has captured significant public and scientific attention.