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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Anchovies
- Sardines
- Squid
Predators
- Killer Whale
- Great White Shark
- Broadnose Sevengill Shark
ThreatsGillnet entanglement, marine pollution, and unsustainable tourism disruption
HabitatsCoastal waters, continental shelves, and deep offshore canyons
Life span20 to 25 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDelphinidae
- SpeciesLagenorhynchus obscurus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe from a boat at a respectful distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a short, blunt beak, a curved two-toned dorsal fin, and frequent high-leaping behavior.
- Support conservation
- Adhere strictly to local marine mammal viewing regulations and never attempt to swim with or feed them.
Responsible observation
- 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.
Predator (c) Martín Acosta Albarracín, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martín Acosta Albarracín · cc-by
Close Relative NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA) / Public domain · cc0
Image unavailableClose Relative Close Relative
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