Malaysia's reef sharks stricken with mystery skin disease

A whitetip reef shark with white spots and lesions, said by marine biologists could be linked to rising sea temperatures, lies on the seabed off the coast of Sipadan Island, Malaysia in this picture obtained from social media. JASON ISLEY/SCUBAZOO/via REUTERS

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Marine biologists are investigating a mystery skin disease afflicting whitetip reef sharks in Malaysia, with some early reports suggesting rising sea temperatures could be to blame.

Named for the distinctive white tips on their fins, whitetip reef sharks are typically found resting in schools around reefs in the day and are a popular attraction for divers. They become active at night to hunt for small fish and other animals.