Meet the world’s only known pink manta ray — a rare reef manta (Mobula alfredi) lovingly nicknamed Inspector Clouseau, after the iconic “Pink Panther” character. First spotted in 2015 near Lady Elliot Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, this stunning male spans about 3.3 meters (11 feet) wide. His rosy hue is caused by an extremely rare genetic mutation called erythrism, which affects pigmentation and is almost unheard of in marine animals.
While early speculation pointed to diet or environmental factors, scientists have since ruled those out. Inspector Clouseau is perfectly healthy and behaves just like any other manta ray, aside from his unforgettable color.
Photos by: @kristianlainephotography
#ocean #vacations #mantaray #sea #oceanphotography #travelphotography
While early speculation pointed to diet or environmental factors, scientists have since ruled those out. Inspector Clouseau is perfectly healthy and behaves just like any other manta ray, aside from his unforgettable color.
Photos by: @kristianlainephotography
#ocean #vacations #mantaray #sea #oceanphotography #travelphotography
Meet the world’s only known pink manta ray — a rare reef manta (Mobula alfredi) lovingly nicknamed Inspector Clouseau, after the iconic “Pink Panther” character. First spotted in 2015 near Lady Elliot Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, this stunning male spans about 3.3 meters (11 feet) wide. His rosy hue is caused by an extremely rare genetic mutation called erythrism, which affects pigmentation and is almost unheard of in marine animals.
While early speculation pointed to diet or environmental factors, scientists have since ruled those out. Inspector Clouseau is perfectly healthy and behaves just like any other manta ray, aside from his unforgettable color.
Photos by: @kristianlainephotography
#ocean #vacations #mantaray #sea #oceanphotography #travelphotography
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