Fraser’s Dolphin: Lagenodelphis hosei

Abstract

Fraser’s dolphin, Lagenodelphis hosei, a delphinid, is generally a tropical, oceanic species, but in areas where deep water approaches the coast, they can be found nearshore. It is easily distinguished by its stocky body, short but distinct beak, and small dorsal fin, flippers, and flukes. The back is brownish gray and the belly cream to pink; adult males have a dark stripe that runs from the face to the anus. Often found in large groups, Fraser’s dolphins swim with such high energy creating big splashes in the water. They mix with several species, but most often with melon-headed whales and short-finned pilot whales. They feed on mesopelagic fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans, and can probably dive to as deep as 600m. Aiding this deep-water foraging are myoglobin concentrations in swimming muscles that are high as those found in sperm whales. Males mature at 7–10years and grow up to 230cm; females mature at 5–8 years and grow up to 220cm. Directed and incidental catches have been reported to occur in Japan, the Lesser Antilles, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ghana, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.