Blue sharks are widely recognized for the hue of their skin, yet recent studies suggest these remarkable sharks may possess more than what is immediately visible. In fact, blue sharks could potentially be among nature’s most adept chameleons, as new information indicates the elements that determine the shark’s coloration might enable it to alter its hues according to its surroundings.
This research originates from a cohort of marine biologists who presented their discoveries at the latest Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Belgium. The scientists claim they stumbled upon these revelations while examining the minute tooth-like scales responsible for the sharks’ blue tint more closely.
These tooth-like scales are referred to as dermal denticles. Upon further inspection, the researchers identified that the scales have small pulp cavities housing guanine crystals. These crystals are what facilitate the camouflage prowess in chameleons, implying that blue sharks could potentially harness similar abilities to change their color to conceal themselves in various environments.
It is believed that these color-shifting crystals enable the sharks to merge with the darker depths of the ocean. For instance, the researchers propose that as pressure on the shark’s body rises, the cells could become more densely packed, thereby rendering the creature’s skin significantly darker as it descends deeper.
Thus far, the researchers have merely simulated the potential outcomes of increased pressure on the cells. Moving forward, they aim to apply their findings to real-world scenarios by examining the blue shark’s chameleon-like traits more thoroughly. Their aspiration is to establish that the sharks alter their colors in response to their environment, even if it merely entails a darkening effect during deeper dives.
There remains an abundance of knowledge we have yet to acquire about sharks, including the reasons some species become immobilized when inverted. However, it is hoped that ongoing research like this will aid in revealing more about these awe-inspiring and fearsome creatures.
