Scientists find blue sharks’ unique skin may allow them to change color
ANTWERP, BELGIUM, JUL 16 – Researchers found blue sharks' skin nanostructure allows color changes through guanine crystal spacing, aiding camouflage in varying marine environments, conference attendees said.
- Marine biologists from the University of Hong Kong revealed in July 2025 that blue sharks may change color due to a unique nanostructure in their skin.
- Researchers discovered tiny guanine crystals and melanosomes packed in dermal denticles that interact to produce the sharks’ signature blue hue and potential color shifts.
- Using microscopy and computer modeling, the team found that small alterations in crystal spacing could shift shark color from blue to silver, green, or gold, possibly darkening deeper underwater.
- Dr. Dean noted that integrating these materials results in a strong capability to generate and alter color, emphasizing their importance in both biology and engineering.
- The findings suggest blue sharks might adapt their coloration with depth changes to improve camouflage, and future studies aim to observe this mechanism in natural environments.
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Blue sharks might actually be some of nature’s most unexpected chameleons
Blue sharks have become very well known for the color of their skin, but new research indicates that these iconic sharks might be more than meets the eye. In fact, blue sharks might just be one of nature’s best chameleons, as new data suggests the components responsible for the shark’s coloring could allow it to change colors based on its environment. The research comes from a group of marine biologists who shared their findings at the most rece…
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Total News Sources34
Leaning Left6Leaning Right6Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 29%
C 43%
R 29%
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