• Question: What makes pink albino dolphins pink when all other breeds of dolphin are blue/grey?

    Asked by rebeccas to Valeria, Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise on 13 Jun 2012. This question was also asked by nolzbom, caitlynfarrar, bethy203.
    • Photo: Valeria Senigaglia

      Valeria Senigaglia answered on 13 Jun 2012:

      Although albinism happens in dolphins, Pink dolphins are not necessarily albinos (that is a genetic disorder in which some individuals born without skin color). Pink dolphins are normally pink. They live in murky waters so the pink/brown color help them to better camouflage with the environment. Moreover they live in warm waters so they don’t need big layer of fat to keep them warm. Thus their blood vessels are nearer to the skin surface make them look more pink. However not all of them are pink, they are also brownish and grey. In general males are pinker and have more scars that enhance the pink coloration. Moreover adults are more grey than calves.

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