In an extraordinary finding that has excited marine biologists globally, a unique bright orange nurse shark with striking white eyes was recently captured and released in the Caribbean Sea, showcasing a rare genetic occurrence that has never been recorded in this species.
The shark, measuring 6.6 feet (2 meters), was found off the eastern coast of Costa Rica in 2024 by sports fishermen during a routine outing. Garvin Watson, the owner of the Parismina Domus Dei hotel in the village of Parismina, shared the surreal experience: “We could hardly believe what we were seeing. That orange shark glimmering in the sunlight was truly extraordinary. We had no idea it would become a globally recognized discovery among biologists.”
Watson and his team meticulously photographed the shark, removed the hook from its mouth, and released it back into the ocean, allowing it to continue its life unharmed. The images later formed the basis of a scientific study published on August 1 in Marine Biodiversity, confirming the shark’s remarkable pigmentation.
The vibrant orange hue is attributed to a rare condition known as xanthism, or xanthochroism, which enhances yellow and orange pigments in the skin. While xanthism has been observed in various animal species — including frogs, birds, and fish — this marks the first scientifically confirmed case in a nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum). Researchers also noted that the shark lacked the dark irises typical of its species, indicating it may also display albinism. The combination of these two conditions, referred to as albino-xanthochromism, has only been documented once before in marine animals, specifically in a ray species (Raja montagui) in the Irish Sea in 2018.
Typically, nurse sharks are yellow to gray-brown, blending seamlessly into their environments. Abnormal pigmentation can pose survival challenges, as bright colors increase visibility to predators or prey. However, this shark, despite its vivid coloration, seems to have reached adulthood without any apparent disadvantages. “Many factors influence survival,” stated Marioxis MacÃas-Cuyare, a doctoral candidate in biological oceanography at the Federal University of Rio Grande in Brazil and lead author of the study. “The shark’s bright coloration would usually be a drawback, but it has evidently adapted and thrived. Exactly how remains an intriguing question for researchers.”
The reasons behind such pigmentation anomalies are still being explored. Genetics are believed to be the primary cause of xanthism, although environmental stress, elevated temperatures, and hormonal imbalances may also contribute. “Xanthism is typically genetic,” MacÃas-Cuyare explained, “but further research is necessary to fully understand the range of factors influencing these unusual traits.”
This discovery transcends mere scientific curiosity; it highlights the incredible variability of nature and the resilience of marine species. While animals typically evolve colors that enhance survival — whether through camouflage, mating, or signaling — the orange nurse shark illustrates that even the most unusual traits do not necessarily hinder an individual’s ability to thrive in its environment.
The shark’s distinctive pigmentation captivated both the local community and online audiences. Images depict the orange shark gliding through the water, its body radiant in the sunlight, with pale, haunting eyes, resembling a creature from a fairy tale. For Watson and the fishermen, the encounter was unforgettable. “Seeing that shark, alive and beautiful, reminded us how little we truly understand about the oceans,” he remarked.
Marine biologists are particularly enthusiastic about this case as it opens new research avenues into shark genetics, pigmentation disorders, and the survival strategies of marine species with atypical traits. It also underscores the importance of responsible wildlife interactions, demonstrating how careful human intervention — in this instance, safely removing a hook and releasing the shark — can enable rare animals to continue their natural lives.
“This shark is a living testament to how extraordinary life can be, even when it diverges from our expectations,” MacÃas-Cuyare added. “It serves as a reminder of the mysteries that lie beneath the waves, awaiting observation, documentation, and understanding.”
As the shark returned to the depths of the Caribbean, it left behind a legacy — not only as the first documented xanthic nurse shark but also as a symbol of nature’s wonder, adaptability, and resilience. For scientists, fishermen, and nature enthusiasts alike, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into the extraordinary diversity concealed within our oceans.
Ultimately, the bright orange nurse shark is more than just a scientific anomaly; it embodies life’s unpredictability and the beauty that can arise when the natural world surprises us in ways we never anticipated.
💛 This remarkable discovery serves as a reminder that the oceans are filled with secrets, waiting for the curious, the brave, and the observant to uncover them.
