Leucism in sharks: a histological examination

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.

Automated summary

This study quantified and compared the presence of melanin in tissue samples of leucistic and fully pigmented blacktip sharks Carcharhinus limbatus. The results supported the lack of melanin as the cause of leucistic coloration and evaluated the histological differences responsible for this phenomenon.