Overview

• The roughly two-meter nurse shark was caught at 37 meters near Tortuguero National Park in Aug. 2024, photographed, and released.
• Scientists identified the coloration as xanthism, with white eyes lacking visible irises pointing to possible albino‑xanthochromism.
• The finding marks the first documented instance of total xanthism in this species and the first record for Caribbean sharks, rays, or skates.
• The shark’s size indicates it likely reached adulthood, leading authors to note the pigmentation does not appear to have impaired survival.
• The Marine Biodiversity paper urges research into genetic mechanisms and potential influences such as inbreeding, environmental stress, elevated temperatures, hormones, or diet.