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VISTORBELITUNG.COM,COSTA RICA – The waters off the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica recently yielded a truly astonishing sight: a bright orange nurse shark, a discovery that has captivated marine biologists and the public alike. This exceptionally rare animal, which appears to have a stunning, almost neon, orange hue, marks the first scientifically documented case of this condition in a nurse shark.
The unique shark, an adult measuring approximately 6.6 feet (2 meters) long, was caught and immediately released by sport fishers near Tortuguero National Park in 2024. Its coloration is a radical departure from the typical yellowish-tan to gray-brown of the nurse shark species (Ginglymostoma cirratum).
Scientists have attributed its vivid color to a rare genetic condition known as xanthism, which results in unusually high yellow pigmentation. Further analysis suggests the shark also exhibits signs of albinism, as indicated by its striking white eyes. This combination of two rare pigment conditions in one individual makes the discovery all the more exceptional.
For many animals, such a vibrant coloration would be a significant hindrance, making them easily visible to both predators and prey. Typically, nurse sharks rely on their muted colors to blend seamlessly with the sandy seafloor and coral reefs.
However, the fact that this particular nurse shark has reached adulthood suggests that its peculiar coloring has not prevented it from thriving. Researchers speculate that the turbid, muddy waters where it was found might offer a natural camouflage, or perhaps its bottom-dwelling, nocturnal lifestyle feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks provides a sufficient advantage.
Daniel Arauz Naranjo, the executive director of Costa Rica's Rescue Center for Endangered Marine Species and a co-author of the scientific paper documenting the finding, expressed his astonishment. "It makes you wonder how this shark, with such a unique color pattern, was able to not only survive but thrive in their ocean environment," he told reporters.
The sighting, which was diligently documented and reported by the catch-and-release fishing crew, provides invaluable data for the scientific community. It represents the first scientifically verified xanthic nurse shark ever recorded.
The discovery underscores the vast, often unexplored, biodiversity of the world’s oceans and poses new questions about genetic variation and survival mechanisms in marine life. While inbreeding, environmental stress, or hormonal imbalances can sometimes play a role in pigmentation anomalies, researchers are keen to continue monitoring the area.
As scientists continue to study the photographs and the circumstances of the shark's survival, the bright orange nurse shark serves as a powerful reminder that the sea still holds incredible surprises.