The ocean's unicorn: Meet the pink Manta Ray that is only one in the whole world!

Time of India

01-05-2025

Nature has a way of surprising us just when we think we've seen it all. Whether it's a bird once thought extinct making a sudden return, a creature that goes beyond our understanding of biology, or an animal that is so rare that it seems more of a myth than reality.
Despite many years of scientific and wildlife research, there are still many unexplored gems on Earth that continue to show surprises.
Sometimes, these wonders are discovered in the most remote and unexplored regions. But occasionally, they appear in places visited by humans right under our noses, making the discovery all the more interesting.
Such incredible discoveries give a glimmer of hope even in the face of extinction crises and the worst of adversities.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Meet the rarest Inspector Clouseau!
One such case is the return of the world's
rarest fish
after 85 years, and also only one of its kind. That's the case with 'Inspector Clouseau,' a male manta ray spotted near Lady Elliot Island on Australia's
Great Barrier Reef
. What makes him truly rare and precious is that he is pink. Bright, unmistakably pink in colour.
Since his discovery in 2015, this 11-foot manta ray has only been seen ten times, despite living in one of the most dived areas on the planet. It has been nicknamed after the Pink Panther films, and 'Inspector Clouseau's' bubblegum hue is still a mystery. Scientists first suspected it might be due to his diet, similar to how flamingos turn pink from eating crustaceans. But a 2016 study ruled that out.
How did this Manta Ray get it's colour?
Project Manta, a research group focused on studying manta rays in Australia, now believes this pink colour is likely the result of a unique genetic mutation. If this trait is genetic, and Clouseau manages to mate with a female, it raises an interesting possibility that the mutation could be passed on. That means the world might one day see more pink manta rays.
Though his appearance has been rare, he doesn't seem to be a loner. Observers have noted that he often hangs around with other male manta rays, possibly competing for female attention. Whether his pink colour helps or hinders him in the mating game remains unknown.
Where can Manta rays be spotted?
To catch a glimpse of Inspector Clouseau, you'll need to visit Lady Elliot Island. But if you're keen to swim with manta rays elsewhere, there are plenty of spectacular spots like, Socorro Island in Mexico, Palau, Fiji, the Maldives, Raja Ampat in Indonesia, and even Ishigaki Island in Japan.
They can also be spotted at many other places like the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, where unforgettable encounters with stingrays, where you can swim and even interact with them in the wild.
As rare as pink manta rays are, they remind us that our oceans still have secrets. Sometimes, nature's surprises come not in the form of discovery, but in the unexpected twists of the familiar.
Photo Credits: Kristian Laine (Peta Pixel)