During a fishing trip in Costa Rica, a very unusual bright orange shark was discovered, surprising researchers and fishers alike.

The shark was spotted in Tortuguero National Park in August 2024, as reported in a recent scientific journal.

Researchers quickly photographed the shark before releasing it back into the water to ensure its safety.

This nurse shark, which is normally found in Costa Rica’s coastal waters, seems to have xanthism—a rare genetic condition that reduces darker pigments, causing its bright orange and yellow coloring to stand out.

What makes this shark even more unique is that it may also have albinism. This condition limits melanin production, turning parts of the shark, like its eyes, pale white with no visible irises.

Scientists believe the shark’s striking color may also be influenced by environmental factors, such as stress, inbreeding, or hormonal changes.

For comparison, most nurse sharks have light brown skin and dark, beady eyes with a white cornea, helping them stay camouflaged in their natural habitat.