A rare scientific discovery has emerged near the shores of Albania, where a “ghost” shark—known as the angular roughshark (Oxynotus centrina)—was found exhibiting an unusual genetic condition called leucism. This specimen was discovered near Sazan Island, an isolated military post, at a depth of around 200 meters, and it represents the first recorded case of leucism in this species and in the entire shark family Oxynotidae, according to LiveScience.
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| An angular roughshark (Oxynotus centrina) about 29 meteres under the sea (archive) |
The angular roughshark, typically dark gray-brown or black with darker spots on its sides, relies on this coloration to blend into its deep-sea surroundings. However, the shark discovered near Sazan Island was significantly lighter due to leucism, a genetic mutation that disrupts melanin production, resulting in reduced pigmentation across its body.
According to Andrej Gajić, a photographer from Sharklab ADRIA, "Some research suggests that a lack of pigmentation might make individuals more visible to both predators and prey, potentially reducing their chances of survival.” However, he added that this discovery, along with data on other healthy sharks with pigment disorders, suggests these anomalies do not significantly impact the survival abilities of deep-sea sharks in terms of feeding, predator avoidance, or reproduction.
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| Andrej Gajić holds the shark underwater. Image credit: Photographs Andrej Gajić |
This extraordinary finding of a leucistic shark adds a new dimension to our understanding of the adaptability and resilience of deep-sea species, particularly within environments where pigmentation typically plays a crucial role in survival.
Albania’s Unique Marine Ecosystem and Rare Finds in the Ionian-Adriatic Border
This remarkable leucistic shark discovery highlights the unique biodiversity found in Albanian waters, particularly around Vlora, a region that sits at the intersection of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. The area’s unusual marine environment fosters rich ecosystems where diverse fish and shark species thrive, and other rare species have been documented.
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| An angular roughshark (Oxynotus centrina) in frontal photo |
This blend of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas near Vlora creates a boundary zone where conditions change between the warm, saltier waters of the Ionian and the cooler, less saline waters of the Adriatic. This transitional marine zone supports unique habitats and nurtures the growth of a variety of marine life that may not be found elsewhere in the Mediterranean. Over recent years, researchers have identified other rare species in these waters, further emphasizing the importance of Albania’s marine environment to global biodiversity.
The finding of the leucistic angular roughshark underscores the ecological significance of these waters and the potential for further discoveries. As research efforts increase, scientists expect to document more examples of rare and unusual marine species. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of deep-sea species but also underscores the need for conservation in a region whose biodiversity remains both largely unexplored and crucial for marine ecosystems.