First of its kind deep-sea ghost shark with rare genetic disorder captured

Scientists have discovered one deep sea “ghost” white shark with a rare genetic disorder, shedding light on how such abnormalities affect endangered marine species that live near the seabed.

They captured the critically endangered animals angular tope shark, Oxynotus centrina, with abnormal staining disabled Albania‘s coast.

The angular rough shark is usually dark gray-brown or completely black with some dark spots on the head and sides to help it blend in with the dark deep sea environment.

The shark is found on the outer shelves and upper slopes of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, at depths of up to 1300 meters.

Adults of the species can be recognized by their compressed body, “very rough skin,” “sail-shaped dorsal fins,” and typically “darker color.”

The shark caught off the coast of Albania, described in a study in the Journal of Fish Biologyhas less pigmentation, resulting in an overall pale appearance along with “white-gray” spots. However, the pigmentation in the eyes is normal.

This is contrary to albinisma condition in which animals show no pigmentation and have red irises.

The scientists consider the shark to have a case of leucism, a rare genetic disorder that affects melanin production.

In leucistic sharks, iris pigmentation is normal, even if the rest of the body appears completely white.

“This is the first documented case of leucism in this species and the first color disorder reported in the family Oxynotidae,” the study said.

In many species, the lack of pigment can make individuals stand out from both predators and prey, reducing their chances of survival.

This is especially true in the deep sea, where light is so scattered that it is almost impossible to detect.

However, this rare shark, caught off the coast of Albania, seemed unaffected by its strange appearance.

The health parameters of the rare shark, compared to another individual found in the same area, also showed no differences.

“Complete morphometric characteristics are presented and compared with those of a normal individual of the same sex captured in the same area, showing no differences,” the study said.

This suggests that pigment disorders in deep-sea sharks do not necessarily harm their survival and growth, scientists said.