The two-metre shark is believed to have xanthism, which causes excess yellow pigmentation, combined with signs of albinism. It is the first documented case of xanthism in a nurse shark and provides researchers with new evidence of how much natural variation can exist within the species.

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The shark was caught by fishermen near Tortuguero National Park at a depth of around 37 metres.

They photographed the unusual animal before releasing it back into the sea, allowing scientists to study the images.

Researchers do not yet know what caused its colouring, as no genetic testing was conducted, although pigmentation conditions are generally associated with genetic factors.