Blue Sharks

Blue sharks get their name from being blue. But did you know they are one of the rarest colors underwater? Scientists at the City University of Hong Kong are looking at what makes the shark blue. It turns out that there are nanostructures in its skin that give the sharks their unique color. The blue sharks most interesting part it about it is how the shark can change color, and scientists think a multi-functional design is how it can change color, as far as we know, hasn’t been seen before.

The research shows that the secret to being blue is on the tooth-like scales on the shark. Guanine crystals act like blue reflectors and another structure called a melanosome absorbs other wavelengths of color. Researchers had to look at a shark’s fin under a powerful microscope. When you combine these materials together, you get a powerful ability to change color.’’ The research shows that the secret to being blue is on the tooth, like scales on the shark. Guanine crystals act like blue reflectors and another structure called a melanosome absorbs other wavelengths of color. Researchers had to look at a shark’s fin under a powerful microscope. Professor Dean says, “When you combine these materials together, you get a powerful ability to change color.’’

Blue sharks are unique animals. Scientists are still trying to find out why they are blue. They are just starting to find out how they can change color. Blue sharks still amaze us today.

Good revision 🙂