Rare Pink Dolphin Spotted Off Oman Coast in Muscat: Why Do Some Dolphins Have Pink Skin?

A rare pink-looking dolphin spotted swimming close to the shore in Muscat, Oman, has captured attention online after videos of the unusual sighting surfaced on social media. The dolphin was seen swimming alongside darker-coloured companions in coastal waters in October, prompting curiosity about its species and the science behind its striking appearance.

A video shared by Daily Loud on October 21, 2026, showed the pink-looking marine mammal surfacing off Oman's coast. However, marine experts have not confirmed the animal's exact species, and its colour alone is insufficient to establish its identity.

Why Do Some Dolphins Look Pink?

Pink dolphins are commonly associated with the Amazon river dolphin, a freshwater species native to South America. However, certain marine dolphin populations can also develop a pinkish appearance.

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, found in coastal waters across parts of Asia, are known to develop pale or pinkish skin as they mature. In populations around China and Hong Kong, adults can appear distinctly pink despite not necessarily having pink skin pigmentation.

Rare Pink Dolphin Spotted Off Oman Coast in Muscat

Their colour is believed to result partly from blood vessels close to the skin's surface becoming visible through relatively pale skin. Increased blood flow near the surface can help dolphins regulate body temperature, while physical activity may make the pink flush more noticeable.

However, scientists have not established whether this mechanism explains the appearance of the dolphin spotted in Oman.

Which Species Is the Pink Dolphin Spotted in Oman?

The species of the dolphin filmed off Muscat remains unconfirmed. Some reports have raised the possibility of a Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), a species whose appearance changes with age as pale scars accumulate on its body. Others have speculated about a humpback dolphin, some populations of which can develop pinkish colouring.

Neither identification has been scientifically verified.

The International Whaling Commission notes that Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, found across parts of the wider region, generally remain lead-grey throughout their lives. This makes it important to avoid identifying the Oman dolphin solely on the basis of its colour.

Further examination of the footage and expert assessment would be needed to establish the animal's species and explain its unusual appearance.

For now, the sighting has generated considerable interest online, but the identity of the pink-looking dolphin remains a mystery.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 21, 2026 06:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).