Species · GBIF taxon 5220077
Dusky Dolphin
Lagenorhynchus obscurusAlso known as Fitzroy's Dolphin, Dusky-Sided Dolphin
Dusky dolphins are highly social, energetic cetaceans renowned for their spectacular aerial acrobatics, often leaping and flipping high above the water. They live in fluid, fission-fusion societies that can swell into super-pods of hundreds of individuals during cooperative feeding sessions. Their striking, multi-colored bodies feature a dark grey cape, light grey flanks, and a white belly, helping them blend into the shimmering ocean depths.
AcrobaticMarine MammalSocial
Licensed referenceAllenMcC. / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by
- diet
- Small schooling fish and squid
- family
- Delphinidae
- threats
- Gillnet entanglement, marine pollution, and unsustainable tourism disruption
- life Span
- 20 to 25 years
LC
Safe to observe from a boat at a respectful distance.
Vulnerable to entanglement in gillnets and behavioral disruption from intensive marine tourism.
Adhere strictly to local marine mammal viewing regulations and never attempt to swim with or feed them.- Maintain Distance: Keep boats at a slow, steady speed and avoid cutting off their travel path.
- Watch for Leaps: Look for consecutive jumps, which often signal social activity or herding behavior.
- Limit Noise: Minimize sudden engine changes to avoid disrupting their acoustic communication.