The ocean's most unusual orca has unexpectedly appeared off the coast of California. What's going on with it? (video)

The ocean is home to an incredible number of species, one of which is the orca. These cetaceans are known for being extremely intelligent and social, sometimes exhibiting strange behaviors, such as carrying a dead salmon on their heads, and hunting the largest fish in the ocean, according to IFLScience.

Recently, whale watchers in Monterey Bay spotted a male orca named Frosty returning to the California coast — he was seen on November 24. This male is distinguished from others by his unusual coloration — scientists believe that Frosty may be suffering from leucism, a condition where the pigment melanin is partially lost in cells. It is worth noting that this condition is similar to others, such as albinism and melanism — all of which revolve around genetic differences related to melanin production.

However, scientists suspect that the cause may lie elsewhere. There is a possibility that Frosty has Chédiak-Higashi syndrome, a rare inherited immunodeficiency disorder characterized by pale skin. According to Evan Brodsky, who filmed the video, two other whales confirmed to have Chédiak-Higashi syndrome did not live past the age of five.

It is known that male Frosty was spotted traveling with his mother and other pod members. Frosty belongs to the Bigg's killer whales (Orcinus rectipinnus) — this group of cetaceans is recognized for its vast range along the entire eastern coast of North America.

It should be noted that his unusual coloration may actually make Frosty more vulnerable in the ocean, but fortunately for him, orcas have no natural predators in the ocean. Essentially, they are the biggest bullies of the sea, hunting enormous whales, great white sharks, and even the largest fish in the ocean.