©Robert Pittmann
©NOAA NMFS SWFSC PRD
©NOAA NMFS SWFSC PRD
Colours
Distinguishing features
A large dolphin with a blunt bulbous head, no beak and a slender tail stem. The dorsal fin is tall with a wide base and slightly concave back edge, positioned about halfway along the body. Colour generally grey with many paler "scribble" marks, apparently scars. Small individuals are darker than larger ones.
Size
- Up to 400 cm (Length of specimen) - applies to Adults
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Local abundance
- Lizard Island area: This appears to be the first record of this species from the northern Great Barrier Reef.
Behaviour
The single record reported here is based on about 40 individuals seen at a distance of about 1 km. The pod was swimming slowly along the tide line of a strong outgoing tide, in deep water about 1 nautical mile off the seaward side of Jewell Reef. It included individuals ranging from about 1.5 to about 4 m length. Many individuals performed head stands, poking their tails vertically out of the water, remaining in that position for several seconds.
Web resources
References
- Baker, A.N. (1983). Whales and Dolphins of New Zealand and Australia: An identification guide Victoria University Press, Wellington, NZ.