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<\/p>\nRare hybrid sea creatures have been spotted off the coast of the UK in what is thought to be the first time in history.<\/p>\n
The unusual variety of dolphin was spotted in the waters off the shores of Cornwall by a tour boat.<\/p>\n
Operated by AK Wildlife Cruises and captained by Keith Leeves, people aboard the boat saw the two-tone mammals as his ship made its way through the water near Falmouth.<\/p>\n
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A mix of common dolphins and striped dolphins, they were spotted swimming alongside a pod of common dolphins, much to the bemusement of those who spotted the incredible sight.<\/p>\n
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The Sea Watch Foundation received reports from the crew of the AK Wildlife Cruises boat after the workers noted the creatures\u2019 unusual features.<\/p>\n
Sea Watch Foundation said of the hybrids: "The hybrids have a combination of features from both species.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have very distinct black and white stripes running across their flanks that are a distinct feature of the striped dolphin, but they have the distinct hourglass pattern and colouring of a common dolphin."<\/p>\n
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The foundation director, Professor Peter Evans, said: \u201cWe don\u2019t know for certain. I don\u2019t know of another case in UK waters.<\/p>\n
\u201cStriped dolphins are still pretty rare anyway in our waters so a hybrid here would be even rarer.\u201d<\/p>\n
No other sightings or records of the species were known of by the foundation, but it hopes the sighting will raise awareness about the species in the UK.<\/p>\n
Dolphins in the UK are facing multiple challenges, from habitat loss, overfishing and pollution.<\/p>\n
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