The Red Sea receives a rare visitor... “false killer” dolphins attract attention

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A few days ago, the Red Sea Environmental Conservation Association (HIPCA) monitored the appearance of a pod of rare dolphins known as the “false killer” at a diving site off the coast of Hurghada, in a scene that reflects the rich biological diversity that characterizes the waters of the Red Sea, and adds a rarely seen species of marine mammal to the list of creatures that attract the interest of researchers, divers and tourists.

Despite the dangerous name, the "false killer" is not a species known to be a threat to humans. Scientifically, this species belongs to the oceanic dolphins, and is known as Pseudorca crassidens. It is characterized by a dark, streamlined body, an inconspicuous head, and distinctive pectoral fins, in addition to its ability to swim long distances and communicate through sounds.

It is also classified as a toothed cetacean, and differs from baleen whales that rely on filter plates to obtain their food.

Marine science specialists confirmed that the sighting of the "false killer" in the Red Sea is considered a remarkable event due to its rarity compared to the most widespread types of dolphins in the region.

For his part, Professor of Marine Environment and Scientific Advisor to the Society for the Conservation of the Red Sea Environment, Mahmoud Hanafi, said that the swarm was spotted during one of the sea trips, noting that the members of the swarm made loud noises while moving in the water, a behavior that caught the attention of those at the site.

Hanafi also stated that this species had previously been spotted in limited locations in the Red Sea over the past years, but its appearance is still rare for those working in diving and marine cruise activities who frequently see other types of dolphins, according to what Egyptian media reported.

Ashraf Siddiq, a specialist in fish and fisheries at the Institute of Marine Sciences, explained that the name is due to the similarity between this species and the killer whale “orca” in some anatomical features, despite their belonging to two different species.

Siddiq also added that the “false killer” is a large dolphin, as the length of an adult individual may reach about 5 meters, and it usually moves in groups characterized by clear social behavior and a high ability to communicate vocally.

This species feeds on fish and other marine organisms, and its prey may include large fish such as tuna and some mollusks, depending on the marine environment in which food is available.

The "false killer" is distinguished by its social life, as its individuals live in groups that cooperate in movement and searching for food, which makes it one of the species that receives special attention from researchers to study its behavior and patterns of spread.

Experts stressed the importance of dealing with dolphins in their natural environment with caution and respect, emphasizing the necessity of not approaching them directly or trying to feed them, chase them, or swim after them.

They also called for adhering to the instructions of diving trip organizers and observing marine creatures from safe distances, in order to preserve the safety of marine animals and ensure that their natural behavior is not affected.

For his part, the former director of the Institute of Marine Sciences in the Red Sea, Mahmoud Abdel Radi, said that monitoring the “false killer” off the coast of northern Hurghada carries great environmental and scientific importance, given the scarcity of seeing this species in the region.

Abdel Radi pointed out that documenting such sightings must include accurately identifying the species, the number of individuals, the monitoring location, the behavior of the swarm, and the frequency of its appearance, which contributes to building a scientific database that helps to better understand the spread of these creatures in the Red Sea.

The Red Sea contains a unique biological wealth that has made it one of the most important global destinations for diving and watching marine life. Over the past years, its waters have witnessed the observation of a number of rare marine creatures, including the whale shark known locally as “Bahloul,” the humpback whale, and the sunfish.

Experts believe that the emergence of unusual marine species provides additional opportunities for scientific research and enhances awareness of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and preserving the natural balance in the region.

These observations represent an important element in supporting eco-tourism in the Red Sea, which is based on viewing marine creatures in their natural habitats without harming them. This contributes to strengthening the position of Hurghada, El Gouna and other Red Sea cities on the global marine tourism map.

The specialists also stressed that preserving this natural wealth requires that diving and cruise centers adhere to environmental controls, and not chase or disturb dolphins for the sake of photography, in addition to supporting scientific monitoring operations and exchanging information between research agencies and institutions concerned with protecting the marine environment.