Is that a pink dolphin? Rare sighting surprises beachgoers in Oman

Why do some dolphins appear pink? A viral sighting off Oman's coast has renewed interest in the science behind their unusual colouring.A photo showing a pink dolphin spotted in Oman. (Photo: X)New Delhi,Oct 21, 2026 12:53 ISTPeopl in Muscat, Oman, were treated to an unusual sight in October when a pink-looking dolphin swam close to the shore alongside darker companions.Videos of the encounter spread online, prompting questions about what species the animal belongs to and how dolphins can develop that peculiar shade.The footage showed the creatures surfacing in the waters off Oman's coast.However, the exact species of the pink-looking dolphin has not been confirmed by marine experts, and its appearance alone is not enough to identify it. Rare pink dolphin spotted off the coast of Oman https://t.co/VIgOglqGno— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) October 21, 2026 WHY DO SOME DOLPHINS LOOK PINK?Pink dolphins are often associated with the Amazon River dolphin, a freshwater species found in South America. But they are not the only dolphins that can appear pink.Some Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, found in coastal waters across parts of Asia, can develop pale or pinkish skin as they grow older. Adults in populations around China and Hong Kong are particularly known for this appearance, but their colour is not necessarily caused by pink skin pigment.The skin becomes paler, blood vessels close to its surface can show through, creating a pink flush. An increased blood flow near the skin helps the dolphins release excess body heat, and physical activity can make the colour more noticeable. A screengrab from a video capturing a pink dolphin spotted off a beach in Muscat, Oman. (Photo: X) However, scientists have not established whether this explains the appearance of the dolphin caught on camera in Oman.One possibility raised in reports is Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus, a species whose appearance changes as it ages and accumulates pale scars. Another possibility people may consider is a humpback dolphin, some populations of which can develop pinkish colouring.Neither identification has been confirmed.The International Whaling Commission notes that Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, which occur in the wider region, generally remain lead-grey throughout their lives.This makes it particularly important not to identify the Oman animal based on colour alone.- Ends