A rare golden shark has been spotted for the first time in the world off the coast of Costa Rica. Local fishermen discovered the unusual creature last summer when a six-foot-long nurse shark was caught in their nets. Unlike typical nurse sharks, which are brown, this one had white eyes and a striking golden body.
Although the fishermen quickly released the shark back into the ocean, they managed to capture photographs, which were later sent to local researchers. At first, many suspected the images were fake, but experts eventually confirmed their authenticity.
Scientists explained that the shark’s unusual color was caused by a rare skin condition known as albino-xanthochromism, a combination of two genetic traits. Albinism is marked by a lack of melanin, causing pale skin, hair, and eyes, while xanthochromism produces unusual yellow or orange pigmentation. Researchers noted that while both conditions are known to occur separately, this is the first documented case of both appearing together.
Nurse sharks are normally brown, which helps them blend into the sandy seabed, an adaptation that aids in hunting prey and evading predators. The golden coloration, however, made this shark stand out in sharp contrast.
Source: National Geographic
