First report of albinism in the white-spotted bamboo shark, Chiloscyllium plagiosum (Orectolobiformes: Hemiscyllidae), with a review of reported color aberrations in elasmobranchs

Publication Type:
 Journal Article
Year of Publication:
 2002
Authors:
 Steven Clark
Publication/Journal:
 Zoo Biology
Publisher:
 A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services
Keywords:
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ISBN:
 1098-2361
Abstract:

Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10068.abs Three albinistic, white-spotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum) (two males and one female) were hatched at SeaWorld parks. Due to their lack of integumentary and retinal pigments, all three animals were considered true albinos. The term “leucism,” more prominently used within the herpetological discipline, is suggested as a more apt description for previously reported color aberrations in elasmobranchs. Reports of color aberrations in other species of elasmobranchs, and a clarification of the terms used to describe these irregularities in pigmentation, are also presented. Zoo Biol 21:519–524, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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