Rare pink dolphins spotted off Qantab Beach in Muscat, Oman; species not yet confirmed

A rare sight has been reported off the coast of Oman. Rare pink dolphins have been seen swimming in the sea near Qantab Beach in Muscat, the Omani capital.

The pink dolphins, spotted close to the shore at Qantab Beach, were swimming with other, darker dolphins. Some tourists filmed them on their mobile phones as they surfaced and dived back into the water. The videos went viral on social media, and wildlife enthusiasts and tourists have since shown great curiosity about the unusual marine animals. The dolphins are now being discussed across the world. However, there is no official confirmation yet of which species they belong to.

Dolphins are usually grey or dark in colour. In some species, however, the skin can change with age to pink or a pale whitish shade. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins also show such colouring. Clearly visible blood vessels under the skin and changes in blood circulation can give the skin a pink tinge. In some cases, changes in pigmentation or a condition such as albinism can also be responsible. The exact reason for the colour of the dolphins seen in Oman has not yet been established.

Many species of dolphin are found in the waters off Oman, so the species cannot be determined from the pink colour alone. Some experts have suggested these could be Risso's dolphins or Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, but this has not been scientifically confirmed. The sighting has once again drawn the world's attention to the marine biodiversity of Oman.

An incident of this kind has probably happened, or come to human notice, for the first time. As a result, various discussions and rumours have spread across the world, with everyone offering their own theories.