Golden Ray Discovered in Costa Rica | Costa Rica News

Costa Rica News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 30, 2026 · 2m

A golden ray, shimmering with rare xanthism, was spotted twice off Costa Rica’s coast—thriving despite its striking color. Scientists confirmed it was the same juvenile female by matching her unique spot pattern, proving she’s alive and growing. While normally such bright coloring would make prey or a mate hard to find, this ray seems unharmed—possibly thanks to its sandy-burying habits. Only seven cases of xanthism exist among thousands of shark and ray species. Researchers suspect pollution or developmental issues may be behind it, especially since nearby waters show trash and other rays…