A recent discovery is making quite the splash.
During a 2024 fishing trip, an orange shark was caught and released near Tortuguero National Park in Costa Rica, according to an article published in the Marine Biodiversity journal earlier this month.
“The vastness of the ocean surprises us every day,” tourism company Parismina Domus Dei wrote on Facebook in August 2024 alongside photos of the deeply hued shark. “We had the opportunity to catch this nurse shark of this peculiar orange color. It’s the first time we’ve seen one of this color.”
In fact, the journal noted it was the first time a nurse shark with this pigmentation had been recorded in Costa Rican waters.
Typically, nurse sharks are gray-brown, yellow-brown or brown, and juveniles can have dark spots, according to the Shark Research Institute.
So what makes this one orange? The answer is xanthism, which the Marine Biodiversity journal notes is “characterized by yellow pigmentation” and is “rare in marine species.”
With what the journal called an “intense yellow-orange pigmentation and white eyes,” the roughly six-and-a-half-foot shark appeared to have “a condition known as albino-xanthochromism,” an abstract for the journal read. “This unique finding suggests that xanthism does not hinder survival in this species.”
And while there have been previous reports of “abnormal pigmentation” in nurse sharks, the journal continues, “this is the first scientifically documented case of total xanthism in the species and the first record from the Caribbean Sea.”
While the journal touted plans to, uh, dive deeper into the “potential genetic or environmental factors” causing the hue, for now, the fishermen are just excited to help the scientific community swim forward.
“This discovery not only highlights the natural richness of our Caribbean waters, specifically Limon Barra de Parismina,” Parismina Domus Dei wrote on Facebook Aug. 20, “but it also opens the door to new studies on the biodiversity of the Costa Rican Caribbean.”
If you’re an animal lover, keep reading to see celebrity pets.
Sydney Sweeney
The Euphoria actress introduced her pup Sully in April 2025, writing on Instagram, “He’s become my set best friend, my bowling partner, my nap buddy, mutual water enthusiast, and travel companion.”
Brie Larson
Brie, who was already a dog mom to pooch Six-Thirty, welcomed her newest addition on Instagram in October 2024, writing, “Proud to announce there’s a new *star* in my life.”
Kevin Costner
The Yellowstone star introduced his new dog to the world in February 2024, writing on Instagram, “I’m already in love with this special guy.”
Sarah Jessica Parker
The Sex and the City alum adopted the same kitten Carrie Bradshaw takes in during the second season of And Just Like That.
Jimmy Fallon
Party crasher! The late night talk show host’s dog Gary joined him as he perfomed a remote opening monologue during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taylor Swift
T.Swift is arguably our favorite cat lady, especially when she posts pics with her cat Meredith. She took her love for cats to another level by starring in the movie Cats.
Kaley Cuoco
The Big Bang Theory actress has many four-legged friends keeping her busy at home.
Ariana Grande
“Guess what everyone it’s time for me to post THIS photo again. happy birthday to the light of my life. my gooooszeeessskeh. i love u i love u i love u,” the “Dangerous Woman” singer wrote in honor of her dog.
Jennifer Aniston
Dogs will always be there for you! The Friends star loves cuddling up to her dog Clyde.
Jeffree Star
The makeup mogul is a proud parent to multiple Pomeranians.
Emma Chamberlain
The YouTuber’s cat Frankie sure knows how to photo bomb! Frankie and sibling Declan also have their own Instagram account with nearly 200K followers.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
“Our pre-workout ritual. We throw on ‘Rocky Mountain Way’ from Joe Walsh and get to rough housin’. He’s definitely ‘on one’ and feelin’ himself today cause he killed a lizard,” the actor wrote on Instagram. “He also knows when I lay down its a trap! Smart boy. Let’s get to work.”
Zendaya
The Euphoria star gushed about her four-legged friend, “Missing my son…I get to see him in like 3 days #NoonyinNY.”
Liam Hemsworth
“Nothing beats riding your horse on the beach,” the Hunger Games alum joked.
Ice T & Coco
This family loves their bulldogs! King Maximus and Princess Alexus have their own Instagram page, too!
Russell Wilson
The Seatttle Seahawks quarterback brought this adorable pooch home to Ciara. “New Pup Alert!!! Welcome to the Wilson Family!” he captioned the precious pic.
