8legs: Tortuguero national park, costa rica

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Rare Orange Shark With White Eyes Spotted Off The Coast Of Costa Rica

A nurse shark with orange skin and white eyes was spotted off Costa Rica's Tortuguero coast, prompting scientific interest.
Experts say xanthism creates excessive yellow coloration, while albinism presents pale skin and white eyes.
Researchers note the orange coloration is unusual for nurse sharks and raises questions about camouflage and survival.
The shark lived to at least six-and-a-half feet and survived into adulthood, according to researchers.
The finding may help scientists study the species' adaptability and potential genetic trends in the Caribbean.
Xanthism and albinism in combination is rare and its impact on survival remains uncertain.
Researchers question whether the orange nurse shark represents a one-time occurrence or a potential genetic trend.
The discovery adds to the Caribbean's biodiversity examples among shark populations.
The report states the orange hue may result from xanthism, possibly due to genetics or environmental factors.

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