The discovery of a bright orange nurse shark in the Caribbean waters of Costa Rica has surprised fishermen and specialists. This specimen, whose orange hue is unusual for the species, has been scientifically documented for the first time in the region. This phenomenon is also being studied in the catshark.
According to the account of the protagonists and the subsequent analysis, the animal was captured and released during a sport fishing trip near Tortuguero National Park , after its appearance was recorded and visual evidence was taken that has allowed the exceptional nature of the case to be confirmed.
Characteristics and distinctive signs
The first thing that catches the eye is its bright orange skin , a radical contrast to the usual brown of Ginglymostoma cirratum , a color with which they normally camouflage themselves against the seabed.
In addition, the individual had completely white eyes , with no apparent iris, a trait that specialists interpret as a possible case of xanthism combined with albinism (albino-xanthochromism).
The images released by the fishermen clearly show a uniform coloration and a morphology typical of a nurse shark , with a size of around two meters, indicative that it is an adult.
This maturity suggests that, despite the increased visibility caused by bright color or depigmented eyes , the specimen has overcome the pressure of predators and has managed to thrive in its environment.
Where, when and who found it
The encounter took place near Barra de Parismina , in the vicinity of Tortuguero National Park, at an approximate depth of 37 meters , during a sport fishing excursion.
Fishermen Garvin Watson and Pablo Solano participated in the capture and rapid documentation of the animal, which was returned to the sea after its condition was verified.
The local company Parismina Domus Dei shared the graphic record, and the case was subsequently analyzed by a team from the Federal University of Rio Grande (Brazil), which validated the uniqueness of the find.
The results of the study were published in the journal Marine Biodiversity , where it is detailed that this is the first report of xanthism in nurse sharks in the Caribbean , with far-reaching scientific implications.
What is xanthism and why is it relevant?
Xanthism (or xanthochromism) is a pigmentation disorder that produces an excess of yellow or orange tones due to a deficiency of red pigment. It is a rare phenomenon, with sporadic records in birds, reptiles, and freshwater fish , and is exceptional in sharks.
There is an opposite condition, axantism , characterized by the absence of yellow pigment. Other known pigmentary variations include melanism (predominance of black) and leucism (partial loss of color), which help to contextualize these types of anomalies.
The main cause is usually genetic , although its expression could be influenced by factors such as inbreeding , environmental stress, high temperatures , hormonal imbalances or even diet , according to researchers.
The scientific team emphasizes that this is the first documented case of xanthism in a cartilaginous fish from the Caribbean, suggesting poorly described pigmentation pathways in the region and raising questions about the genetic diversity of local populations.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that the nurse shark is a benthic inhabitant that usually rests on the bottom and has a mouth pump that allows it to breathe without swimming continuously; therefore, its typical brown coloration is a camouflage ally that in this case does not apply.
Although some studies suggest that these extraordinary colors may reduce survival , this specimen demonstrates that there is room for adaptation , which justifies further sampling and monitoring in the area with the collaboration of the fishing community and research centers.
The confluence of an unprecedented pigmentation , the location in a high biodiversity enclave like Tortuguero, and the academic confirmation of the case construct a first-rate scientific narrative: a completely orange nurse shark that, despite its visibility, has reached adulthood, provides clues about the genetics of the species and reinforces the need to continue closely observing what is happening in the Costa Rican Caribbean.
