The World's Only Pink Manta Ray Spotted Near The Great Barrier Reef

February 14, 2020

An underwater photographer in Australia has captured beautiful photos of the only known pink manta ray in the world.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kristian (@kristianlainephotography) on

The ray has been named Inspector Clouseau after the detective from the Pink Panther.

Finnish photographer Kristian Laine says it was "an amazing and absolutely unforgettable encounter."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kristian (@kristianlainephotography) on

The pink manta ray was photographed near Lady Elliot Island in the Great Barrier Reef.

"I felt amazed afterwards but also felt like when I was in its eye level, I felt like he was smiling at me," Laine said. "He was big and I got into a touch range but obviously didn't touch, I was super close, about a meter at best."

Why Inspector Clouseau has pink skin is still a bit of a mystery to scientists.

Project Manta researchers believe Clouseau's coral blush may be the result of a genetic mutation that affects skin pigmentation. If true, Clouseau's condition would be the first amongst manta rays.

The good news is Clouseau's unique coloration won't get him into trouble. Guy Stevens, co-founder of the United Kingdom's Manta Trust, told National Geographic at their gargantuan sizes, manta rays have only the most plus-sized of predators to fear, and many survive decades in the wild.

Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesHungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand

feel good storiesWild Orcas Keep Giving Humans Gifts, Leaving Experts Puzzled

feel good storiesMy Girlfriend Gifted Me My Father’s Handwriting To Keep Forever

feel good storiesWe Can’t Stop Looking At These Adorable Baby Loon Photos Taken On A Lake

feel good storiesThis Couple Built A Grass Patch For Their Cat, And She’s Obsessed With It

feel good video'Am I Allowed To Be This Happy?' The Moment A Nervous Foster Dog Finally Lies In A Dog Bed

feel good videoGrandma Thinks She's 60. Her Reaction To Learning She's 90 Is Priceless

feel good videoBaby Elephant’s Trunk Steals The Show In Adorable Treat Time Video

feel good videoChicken Or Pigeon? The Internet Can’t Believe This Bird Is Real

feel good videoBear Vs. Sprinkler: Hilarious Garden Moment Caught On Camera

Chris Filippou 12:17 PM (3 minutes ago) to me