Rare Pink Dolphin Spotted Off the Coast of Oman
A pink dolphin has been seen near Oman's coast, close to Qantab beach. Experts have not yet confirmed its species or the reason for its unusual colour.
A pink dolphin has been spotted off the coast of Oman, near Qantab beach on the Arabian Peninsula. Pink marine dolphins are rarely seen in coastal ocean waters, so the sighting has drawn the attention of wildlife enthusiasts and experts alike and raised questions about what causes such unusual colouring.
Why a dolphin can be pink
According to Dr. Vinod Sharma, pink colouring in some dolphin species can occur naturally, while in other cases it may be linked to pigmentation disorders.
The best-known pink dolphin is the Amazon river dolphin. It lives only in fresh water, in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia and Venezuela. Its population is threatened by dams and pollution.
Among marine species, the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, also known as the Chinese white dolphin, can take on a pink hue. These animals are born grey and turn pinkish or white as they mature. In other species, such as bottlenose dolphins, a pale or pink look can result from albinism or leucism, or from blood vessels showing through thin skin.
Species still unconfirmed
There is currently no scientific confirmation of the exact species or the cause of the colouring. The animal could therefore be an Indian Ocean humpback dolphin or an individual with unusual pigmentation disorders.
The sighting also draws attention to the rich biodiversity of Oman's coast, which is home to a number of marine species.
