Rare Pigmentation in a Deep-Sea Shark Could Change How Scientists Think About Camouflage

Researchers studying a rare sharpnose sevengill shark found an unusual patchwork of dark, pale, and pigment-free areas.

The pattern did not fit albinism or leucism, suggesting a different pigmentation anomaly in the deep-sea predator.

The finding could help explain how camouflage works in sharks and what energetic tradeoffs unusual pigmentation may create.

Scientists say the case offers new clues about deep-sea shark survival and evolution.