The ocean has delivered yet another breathtaking surprise after divers near Tortuguero, Costa Rica, spotted an extraordinarily rare orange-colored shark, believed to be the first of its kind ever recorded. Measuring nearly two meters in length, the shark’s striking coloration immediately caught the attention of marine experts and conservationists around the world.
Scientists believe the shark’s unusual orange hue is the result of a rare genetic condition involving xanthism combined with albinism. Xanthism causes excessive yellow pigmentation, while albinism affects melanin production. The combination has produced a vivid orange appearance—something never before documented in sharks.
Marine biologists describe the discovery as exceptionally significant, as shark coloration typically ranges from grey to blue, designed for camouflage in deep waters. This unique pigmentation challenges existing understanding of shark genetics and raises new questions about how such traits affect survival, behavior, and visibility to predators.
The sighting occurred in the biodiverse waters near Tortuguero, a region already renowned for its rich marine life and sea turtle conservation. Divers reported that the shark appeared healthy and calm, moving gracefully through the water despite its rare genetic makeup.
Experts stress that such discoveries highlight how much remains unknown about the oceans. With more than 80 percent of the world’s oceans still unexplored, rare encounters like this orange shark reinforce the importance of marine research and conservation efforts.
Social media quickly lit up with images and videos of the shark, with users calling it “nature’s artwork” and “proof that the ocean never stops surprising us.” Scientists are now working to document the sighting in detail, hoping it will lead to deeper insights into marine biodiversity.
