Fisherman Reels In Red Snapper Completely White, Determine To Have Leucism

By  //  July 4, 2016

'needle in a haystack' off New Smyrna Beach

Johnathon Morris caught a red snapper that was completely white, and after viewing the photo FWC marine fisheries biologists confirmed it had a condition known as leucism
Johnathon Morris, above, caught a red snapper that was completely white, and after viewing the photo, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission marine fisheries biologists confirmed it had a condition known as leucism. (Instagram image)

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA – Catching a leucistic fish is like finding a needle in a haystack, and on Saturday angler Johnathon Morris found that needle while fishing in federal waters off the coast of New Smyrna Beach.

Johnathon caught a red snapper that was completely white, and after viewing the photo, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission marine fisheries biologists confirmed it had a condition known as leucism.

This is a condition in animals characterized by reduced pigmentation.

Unlike albinism, it is caused by a reduction in all types of skin pigment, not just melanin.

One key difference between albinism and leucism is in eye color. This fish had black eyes, whereas animals with albinism typically have red eyes due to the underlying blood vessels showing through.

It’s a very rare catch and the snapper was vented and released after photos were taken.

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