World’s Only Known Pink Manta Ray Spotted in Great Barrier Reef

Inspector Clouseau, named after the famous Pink Panther detective, holds the distinction of being the only known pink manta ray in the world. First discovered in 2015 by diver Ryan Jeffery near Australia's Lady Elliot Island, the 3.3-meter-long creature caused a sensation, as manta rays typically display only black or white coloration. Despite inhabiting a popular diving zone, he has been spotted just ten times over the years.

Researchers at Project Manta attribute his unique coloration to erythrism—a rare genetic mutation that increases red and pink pigmentation—ruling out diet or illness. 

While erythrism occurs in other animal species, this marks the first recorded instance in a manta ray, making Inspector Clouseau a truly extraordinary scientific marvel.

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