Rare golden shark uncovered in Costa Rican waters
In a fascinating find, a six-foot nurse shark with golden skin and white eyes was recently caught off the coast of Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica. This rare beauty, believed to be the first shark of any species documented with both albinism and xanthochromism, has captivated the attention of marine biologists around the world.
The discovery was confirmed by Daniel Arauz Naranjo, the executive director of Costa Rica's Rescue Center for Endangered Marine Species (CREMA). Naranjo emphasised the importance of sharing unique oceanic findings, stating, "This discovery serves as a reminder that the ocean can still surprise us."
The golden retriever's unusual coloration hasn't hindered its ability to survive. Experts suspect it's the first shark of any species documented with both traits. Naranjo suggests that the shark's unusual coloration might be a good strategy in murky water, providing camouflage against predators.
Melissa Cristina Márquez, an independent shark scientist, commented on the findings, suggesting several possible explanations for the shark's survival, including a lack of natural predators or unique behaviors by the shark.
Researchers Daniel M. Coates, et al. studied the rare skin covering of the golden nurse shark in Costa Rica, resulting in the scientific publication titled "Dermal Denticle Morphology of the Golden Nurse Shark (Nebrius ferrugineus) from Costa Rica." Co-author Marioxis Macias, a PhD student at Federal University of Rio Grande in Brazil, contributed to the research.
The shark's coloration is the product of a rare skin condition known as albino-xanthochromism, a combination of two rare genetic conditions: albinism and xanthochromism. Naranjo believes that the shark's presence might attract tourists for snorkeling, further highlighting the importance of preserving this unique marine life.
The findings were published last month in the journal Marine Biodiversity. As we continue to learn more about this remarkable creature, it serves as a reminder of the wonders that still lie beneath the waves, waiting to be discovered.
Read also:
- Restoring SCN2A gene function in mice through CRISPR activation enhances neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- New York joins a multistate health coalition to counteract chaos in federal vaccine distribution efforts
- Enhanced Iron Absorption in Female Health: Biotechnology Developed Plant Protein Outperforms Iron Supplements in Fermentation
- Controversy Surrounding Epstein Heats Up in Washington; Trump Endorses Homelessness Executive Order; More Events Reported
