Rare Albino Stingray Glides Across Reef

There are about 220 known stingray species organized into 10 families and 29 genera. Stingray species are progressively becoming threatened or vulnerable to extinction, particularly as the consequence of unregulated fishing. As of 2013, 45 species have been listed as vulnerable or endangered by the IUCN.Show more

The particular stingray in the video is even rarer because of it's condition – albinism. It gracefully swims over the coral reef before disappearing into the ocean vastness. These divers can't help but stare in amazement at the incredibly rare moment passing them by.

Albinism by definition is "the congenital absence of any pigmentation or coloration in a person, animal or plant, resulting in white hair and pink eyes in mammals." Other definitions of albinism encompass most of the major animal taxa, but ignore the several other pigments that non-mammalian animals have and also structural coloration. For example, "Absence of the pigment melanin in the eyes, skin, hair, scales, or feathers." refers only to the pigment melanin. Because of the various uses of different terms applied to coloration, some authors have indicated that the color of the eyes is the defining characteristic of albinism.

The ocean is an amazing place, and seeing a rare creature like this one has to be a magical experience.