Leucism in sharks: a histological examination

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2023

Subject Area

Animals; Sharks (anatomy & histology); Melanins

Abstract

Isolated cases of skin pigment disorders, including leucism, in sharks and rays have been reported for multiple species. Nonetheless, the morphological basis behind these chromatic anomalies has not been examined histologically. In this study, the authors quantified and compared the presence of melanin in multiple tissue samples of leucistic and fully pigmented blacktip sharks Carcharhinus limbatus. The authors' results support lack of melanin to be responsible for leucistic colouration. The histological differences responsible were evaluated.

Publication Title

Journal of fish biology

Volume

103

Issue

3

First Page

731

Last Page

734

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/jfb.15431

PubMed ID

37167015

E-ISSN

1095-8649

Language

eng

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