US EditionScientists find blue sharks’ unique skin may allow them to change color
ANTWERP, BELGIUM, JUL 14 – Researchers found blue sharks use nanostructures in their skin to adapt color for camouflage, with crystal spacing affected by water pressure, aiding survival in diverse marine depths.
- A study presented in 2025 uncovered that blue sharks can alter their coloration through nanostructures found in their dermal denticles, the tooth-like scales covering their skin.
- The study followed from anatomical research showing dermal denticles contain guanine crystals that reflect blue wavelengths and melanosomes that absorb others to affect color.
- Investigators used fine-scale dissection, optical and electron microscopy, and computer modeling to find that slight changes in guanine crystal spacing could shift blue sharks' color from blue to gray or silver.
- Dr. Mason Dean explained that as sharks dive to greater depths, the increased pressure on their skin causes the guanine crystals within to compress, which likely results in a darker coloration that helps the shark blend into its environment.
- These findings imply blue sharks have a natural, potentially adjustable camouflage mechanism with strong potential for bio-inspired applications in marine environments.
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Total News Sources33
Leaning Left5Leaning Right6Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 25%
C 45%
R 30%
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