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Spotted: Extremely Rare Piebald Shark Swimming.

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Author Alana Theron, BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology

In the vast blue of the ocean depths lurks a creature that is so rare that only a few exist in the wild. Lets dive in and learn about piebaldism and how it manifests in sharks.

What is Piebaldism?

Piebald Goats. Image by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Piebaldism is a genetic variation. It causes irregular patches of color on the skin or fur of animals. In sharks, this means patches of white and dark skin. It is not common. This makes piebald sharks extremely rare and intriguing.

The Genetics Behind Piebaldism

Horse. Image via Depositphotos.

The cause of piebaldism lies in genetics. It involves a mutation that affects melanin distribution. Melanin is what gives color to skin, eyes, and hair. In piebald sharks, this mutation leads to areas without color. This creates their distinctive patterns.

Spotting a Piebald Shark

Piebald shark swimming. Image by @NicoleBoetticher via Instagram.

Seeing a piebald shark is a rare event. They live in deep waters and are not often near the surface. Divers and researchers cherish these sightings. They often share them through photos and videos to study and appreciate their beauty.

The Role of Piebald Sharks in Marine Ecosystems

Shark swimming. Image via Depositphotos.

Piebald sharks play the same roles in marine ecosystems as other sharks. Their unique coloring does not affect their behavior or diet. Sharks are important for keeping the balance in marine life. They help control the population of other sea creatures.

A Piebald shark Swims peacefully

Piebald shark swimming. Image by @NicoleBoetticher via Instagram.

A video has captured an extremely rare piebald shark swimming. It shows the shark’s unique beauty and grace underwater. This video is a rare treat. It lets us see one of the ocean’s most unusual inhabitants in action. Such sightings are precious. They remind us of nature’s diversity and the need to protect marine life.

Conclusion

soupfin shark
A female school shark (Galeorhinus galeus) photographed using a Baited Remote Underwater. Image by AshlieJMcivor, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Piebald sharks are a reminder of intricate tapestry of nature. The video shows us that even animals can have rare genetic conditions and still live their best lives.

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