Pink dolphin in Oman sparks curiosity as experts question second video

Muscat: The pink dolphin swimming in the waters of Oman has been generating curiosity. This is the first time a pink dolphin has been spotted in the waters of Oman.

Experts clarified to the Observer that while the first video of the pink dolphin in Qantab is valid, the second video of the pink humpback dolphin is questionable and is being rejected as fake.

Aida al Jabri, Marine Environment Specialist at the Environment Authority, explained the first identified pink dolphin in the video is a Risso's dolphin.'

The species is known to become lighter with age as scars accumulate on their bodies.

The video of the humpback dolphin claimed to have been spotted in Muscat has raised doubts because they are never found in the waters near Muscat.

'Humpback dolphins are found in Musandam, Masirah, Al Wusta, and Dhofar. They are always in shallow waters, which is why it is difficult to believe they were in waters off Muscat,' Al Jabry pointed out.

According to scientific explanations, dolphins turn pink primarily due to increased blood flow near the surface of their skin (vasodilation) to release body heat, as well as age-related color changes and scar tissue.

Dolphins also have incidents like humans when it comes to skin pigmentation.

'In September a fisherman spotted a dolphin that was completely white in Masirah,' she noted.

Risso’s dolphins are dark gray or brown when they are born, but their skin is known to be extremely sensitive and scratches easily. Adding to the pink effect is the bright sunlight and reflection from water. They are known to wrestle, and the white scar tissue is also known to contribute to the change in color. In addition, their blood vessels dilate to regulate body temperature.

But for now the sighting of the pink dolphin continues to attract attention, and maybe there could be more beach goers heading out to the sea in boats.