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Rare Yellow Nurse Shark Discovered in Costa Rica

8/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A rare xanthic nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) was captured in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
This is the first documented case of total xanthism in this species.
The 200 cm shark exhibited bright yellow-orange pigmentation and white eyes, indicating albino-xanthochromism.
The discovery suggests xanthism may not affect survival, warranting further genetic and environmental research.

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Story summary

A rare xanthic nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) was captured in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica.
This is the first documented case of total xanthism in this species.
The 200 cm shark exhibited bright yellow-orange pigmentation and white eyes, indicating albino-xanthochromism.
The discovery suggests xanthism may not affect survival, warranting further genetic and environmental research.