A rare white stingaree has been spotted off the coast of Australia in 2025. Diver Jules Casey, known as One Breath Diver, encountered the unique stingaree in Port Phillip's Bay, Victoria. Marine researchers note that such coloration is extremely uncommon.
Stingarees belong to the family Urolophidae, while more common stingrays are in the family Dasyatididae. Stingarees also possess a slightly different-shaped caudal fin compared to stingrays. At least six stingaree species inhabit the New South Wales coast, typically brown or grey, making this white stingaree sighting particularly special.
The unusual coloration could be attributed to albinism or leucism. Albinism results in minimal or no melanin production, often leading to white skin and red eyes. Leucism causes partial pigment loss, affecting skin or feathers, but typically not the eyes. This sighting highlights the mysteries of ocean life.