Don't be surprised if you see a dolphin swimming in Singapore's waters

Dolphins are regularly spotted in the north-facing bay between St John's and Lazarus islands. Last week, a pod of five pink dolphins was spotted in the area by scientists.
Dolphins are regularly spotted in the north-facing bay between St John's and Lazarus islands. Last week, a pod of five pink dolphins was spotted in the area by scientists. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CON FOLEY

SINGAPORE - Did you know that wild dolphins can be found in Singapore's very own backyard?

In sightings reported to the National University of Singapore's Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), at least 169 dolphins were spotted between 2008 and 2011 in the waters between Singapore and Batam. The mammals are most regularly spotted in the north-facing bay between St John's and Lazarus islands.

Here are some of the different species of dolphins and other marine mammals found in Singapore's waters:

- Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin, or pink dolphin

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Species most commonly seen in Singapore's waters. They are born black, before turning pink as they grow up. Adults are white.

- Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin

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Second most commonly seen species in Singapore's waters. They have a dark grey back with a lighter grey belly.

- Irrawaddy dolphin

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- Finless porpoise

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- Dugong

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To report sightings of dolphins and other marine mammals, visit this website.

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