Unexplained Mysteries Discussion Forums > Yellow shark is one in a million

UM-Bot

Mar 31 2004, 09:14 AM

A rare two-year-old bright yellow Port Jackson shark was unveiled at the Sydney Aquarium to bedazzled spectators today. The result of a rare genetic mutation, the male baby shark known as Mango was a big catch for the fisherman who picked him up in a net on the Hawkesbury River about five months ago. The fluorescent sea creature was an even bigger catch for the aquarium, his new home, where he is the first of his kind to be seen in 15 years. The chances of finding a shark like Mango are about one in a million. "With the shark being such a bright colour its chance of survival in the wild would be slim, the animal would not camouflage itself and hide from predators," said aquarist Hamish Tristram. "In the future, hopefully we will be able to breed from him."Mr Tristram said Mango could reach up to 1.4 metres in length. The prized shark is not expected to change colour.

Despite the large publicity over his rarity though, there has been very little feedback from around the world about other sharks of this type that could exist. A "fairly-well adjusted shark" according to staff, Mango "tends to swim for a bit and then rest" but was happy to pose for photographers once prodded.

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View: Full Article | Source: smh.com.au

Anirbas

Apr 1 2004, 06:37 AM

I wonder how that differs from being an albino?

MoonFox

Apr 1 2004, 09:30 PM

QUOTE (SaRuMaN @ Mar 31 2004, 10:14 AM)

"With the shark being such a bright colour its chance of survival in the wild would be slim, the animal would not camouflage itself and hide from predators," said aquarist Hamish Tristram. "In the future, hopefully we will be able to breed from him."

Hmmm would it really be right to breed this shark? I mean if it's a defect that wouldn't survive in the wild, this is for a reason- that this shark's genes should not be passed on.
So breeding him will just continue to pass along the bad genes that causes this coloring in the first place. Natural selection in the wild would prevent this line from continuing.

What will they do with the sharks they breed from him? Will the whole family tree be securely contained in captivity? What if some are released (whether accidental or intentional) and wind up breeding more with wild sharks and this negative gene gets spread around.

Ah well the shark does look really neat though! But, I don't think it'd be a good idea to breed an animal that wasn't meant by nature to have a surviving line.

AbductingU

Apr 7 2004, 12:03 AM

QUOTE (MoonFox @ Apr 1 2004, 05:30 PM)

Hmmm would it really be right to breed this shark? I mean if it's a defect that wouldn't survive in the wild, this is for a reason- that this shark's genes should not be passed on.
So breeding him will just continue to pass along the bad genes that causes this coloring in the first place. Natural selection in the wild would prevent this line from continuing.

What will they do with the sharks they breed from him? Will the whole family tree be securely contained in captivity? What if some are released (whether accidental or intentional) and wind up breeding more with wild sharks and this negative gene gets spread around.

Ah well the shark does look really neat though! But, I don't think it'd be a good idea to breed an animal that wasn't meant by nature to have a surviving line.

Now this makes sense.. Ever think of writing to all these people who make these crazy ideas?? I'd listen to that, other than what the supposed experts say.. Look what else we are doing to the Earth.. Keep that open mind opening!!

Jim