Cephalorhynchus Dolphins: C. heavisidii, C. eutropia, C. hectori, and C. commersonii

Abstract

This chapter discusses characteristics, taxonomy, distribution, abundance, and ecology of Cephalorhynchus Dolphins. The four dolphins of the genus Cephalorhynchus are small coastal species. They are blunt-headed, chunky dolphins with rounded, almost paddle-shaped flippers. The most characteristic feature of the genus is the dorsal fin, which is proportionately large, either with a shallowly sloping leading edge and a rounded, convex trailing edge [like a Mickey Mouse ear: Hector's (C. hectori), Commerson's (C. commersonii), and Chilean dolphins (C. eutropia)] or upright and roughly triangular (Heaviside's dolphin, C. heavisidii). In color pattern, Chilean dolphins and Hector's dolphins are most similar. Cephalorhynchus dolphins are found only in Southern Hemisphere waters. Heaviside's dolphin occurs off the west coast of South Africa and Namibia. Hector's dolphin is found solely off New Zealand. The Chilean dolphin is found in the coastal waterways of Chile and along the exposed west coast. All four species feed on a wide variety of coastal prey, focusing on benthic and small pelagic schooling fish and squid.