Fauna
Mammal

Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin

Sousa plumbea

Also known as Plumbeous Dolphin, Indian Humpback Dolphin

Indian Ocean humpback dolphins patrol extremely shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bays from South Africa to Indochina. Characterized by a prominent humped base beneath their dorsal fin, these social marine mammals travel in small pods of fewer than ten individuals to hunt near the seabed. Heavy reliance on habitats within a few kilometers of shore brings them into frequent overlap with human coastal activities.

MarineMammalSocial
Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphin reference1 / 7
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMullet, Croakers, Squid
Predators
  • Sharks
  • Killer Whale
ThreatsBycatch in gillnets, coastal development, marine pollution, vessel strikes
HabitatsShallow coastal waters, bays, estuaries, mangrove channels
Life span30–40 years
Classification
  1. FamilyDelphinidae
  2. SpeciesSousa plumbea
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe from a respectful distance; maintain space to avoid disturbing wild pods.
What to notice
Look for a robust grey dolphin with a distinct fatty ridge or hump beneath its dorsal fin in shallow murky water.
Support conservation
Give pods wide clearance on boats, cut engines if approached, and never chase or attempt to feed them.
Responsible observation
  • Boat Etiquette: Maintain a steady speed and slow down when within 300 meters of a pod.
  • Observation Distance: Keep at least 50 meters away to minimize stress on feeding or nursing groups.
  • Surfacing Cues: Watch for a slow, rolling surfacing movement displaying the elevated back hump.
Related species
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