Scientists Capture a 'Ghost Shark With Rare Disorder Found in Only 15 Other Deep-Sea Species

Scientists have captured a ghost shark with a rare disorder off the coast of Albania. The shark was suffering from a case of leucism, a genetic disorder that affects melanin production, LAD Bible reported. Due to this condition apart from the shark's irises, every other outer body part lacked color. 

Findings regarding the ghost shark found in Albania were published in the Journal of Fish Biology on October 16. Lead study author, Andrej Gajić, claims that only 15 deep-sea species with similar pigment disorders have been found to this date, which makes it an important discovery.

Angular rough sharks (Oxynotus centrina) are critically endangered species, The Independent reported. They are usually dark grey-brown or black, with some dark patches on the head and sides. These features help the fish in blending with the deep-sea environment. Adults of the species are usually recognized by aspects like rough skin, compressed body, and dorsal fins. Most of them are found on the outer shelves and upper slopes of the eastern Atlantic Ocean. 

Researchers noted the shark captured from Albania to have less pigmentation, The Independent reported. The fish was pale in appearance, containing some "white-greyish" patches in certain areas. After analysis of the whole body, researchers concluded that it was a case of leucism. "This represents the first documented case of leucism in this species and the first color disorder reported in the family Oxynotidae," the study claimed.

Researchers before this discovery believed that the lack of pigmentation was dangerous for the survival of marine species in water bodies, The Independent reported. Experts thought that the absence of color would make the sharks stand out to both predators and prey. This would make them easy targets as well as severely hamper their ability to feed. The shark from Albania did not appear to have such problems. On analysis, its health parameters were similar to other marine beings found in the area. "Full morphometric characteristics are presented and compared with those of a normal individual of the same sex caught in the same area, showing no differences," the study noted.