A Rare Leucistic Sea Turtle

A Surprising Discovery Among the Wash-Backs

Recently, approximately 250 post-hatchling sea turtles (wash-backs) were rescued after they were pushed onto Florida’s east coast by strong currents and high winds. Several sea turtle conservation organizations including STPS were involved in the rescue effort. The tiny greens, loggerheads, and Kemps ridleys were taken to Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center for rehabilitation, and once they recovered, were released back into the ocean in the Sargassum seaweed about 20 miles offshore.

Among the wash-backs was the pale-colored post-hatchling shown above. It has a condition called leucism which is a genetic abnormality which results in reduced pigmentation. Unlike albinism (which is a total lack of pigmentation), leucistic animals have normally colored eyes.

This condition is seen in mammals, reptiles, and birds. The abnormality causes melanin-producing cells (melanocytes) to develop incorrectly so they are unable to produce pigments. However, not every melanocyte can be affected by the condition, so the disease can display itself in a variety of ways. Use the links below to see examples of other sea turtles with leucism:

• “Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Leu” – Clearwater Marine Aquarium, October 2022
• “Albinism and Leucism” – Sea Turtle Camp, February 2014

Unfortunately, the lack of camouflage makes it harder for leucistic animals to hide from predators or conceal themselves from prey. Also, because leucism develops during the early stages of embryonic development, it can cause other central nervous system abnormalities.

Despite all these disadvantages, some sea turtles with leucism do reach adulthood. Below are links to some examples.

• “Leucistic Adult Female Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Successfully Nesting at Tortuguero, Costa Rica” by Jaime Restrepo & Roldán A. Valverde – Marine Turtle Newsletter, 2019
• “A Miracle of Nature: Cloud, the Rare White Turtle” by Dr. Claire Lomas – Olive Ridley Project, March 2019

Many thanks to STPS Volunteer Coleen Seitter for sharing her photo of this rare and unique little sea turtle!