An all-white ray baby was born in Montpellier, a "very rare phenomenon"

The ray measures ten centimeters -

A baby like no other was born at Planet Ocean, in Montpellier (Hérault): a curly white ray.

Usually they are beige.

If this species reproduces regularly, the birth of a line of this color is a "very rare phenomenon", the complex is surprised.

It is even the first time, in Montpellier.

But can we say that this baby ray of ten centimeters, whose sex we do not yet know, is albino, due to a genetic anomaly?

Because if it is very clear, the small animal still has a few small very discreet black spots on its back.

"Scientists will have to determine whether it is indeed an albinism or a lack of pigmentation", confides the curator of Planet Ocean, Nicolas Hirel, who will work in this direction with researchers from the University of Montpellier .

The baby ray born not long ago at Planet Ocean (top) and one of his congeners (bottom) - Planet Ocean Montpellier

No more fragile than the others

This baby stingray is, however, no more fragile than the others.

“What can be problematic for an animal that does not have the coat of its congeners in nature is that it is more easily noticed if it is prey.

But in the context of a reconstituted environment, as at Planet Ocean, that will not change anything.

"

On Facebook, Planet Ocean has launched a consultation to find a name for the baby ray.

Internet users have so far offered Casper, White, Ange or Blanche.

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