Here's why:
* Normal coloration: Bottlenose dolphins typically have a gray to dark gray color on their back and a lighter gray or white underside.
* Albinism: A rare genetic condition called albinism can cause dolphins to have a very pale, almost white appearance. But even albinistic dolphins retain some pigmentation, they don't turn completely pink.
* Pink coloration: While pink hues can be caused by certain algae or other biological factors on the skin of other marine mammals, this is not a common occurrence in bottlenose dolphins.
If you've seen a dolphin that you believe was pink, it's likely that the color was an illusion due to:
* Sunlight: The way sunlight reflects off the water can create an optical illusion of pink coloration.
* Camera filters: Photos can be manipulated to alter colors.
* Unusual algae: It's possible, but rare, that algae might temporarily cause a pink hue.
Remember: It's best to rely on scientific information and reputable sources to understand the color variations of marine animals.