Australian Snubfin Dolphin
is subtly tri-coloured: brownish on the top,
lighter brown along the sides, and a white belly;
the Irrawaddy Dolphin, on the other hand, is uniformly
slaty grey except for the white belly.
The new species has a rounded forehead,
very unlike other dolphin species in Australia,
and the very small, "snubby" dorsal fin distinguishes
it from other dolphins in its range. The lack of a
groove on each side of the back and the presence of a
neck crease further distinguishes this species from its relative
Facts
Scientific Name:
Orcaella heinsohni
Length:
2.3 m / 8 ft
Weight:
130 kg / 287 lb
Age:
?
Total Population:
?
Map Range:
It is closely related to the Irrawaddy dolphin and closely resembles it.
Until very recently they were thought to be Irrawaddy dolphins. However,
the Australian snubfin is tri-coloured, while the Irrawaddy Dolphin only has
two colours on its skin. Also the skull and the fins show minor differences
between the two species.
Captivity
Current Australian Snubfin Dolphins in Captivity
There are currently no Australian Snubfin Dolphins in captivity.
Past Australian Snubfin Dolphins in Captivity:
Cairns Oceanarium
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