Commerson's Dolphin
Cephalorhynchus commersonii
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Cetacea · Delphinidae
About
Commerson's dolphin is also referred to by the common names jacobita, skunk dolphin, piebald dolphin, panda dolphin, or tonina overa. It is a small oceanic dolphin of the genus Cephalorhynchus. Commerson's dolphin has two geographically isolated but locally common subspecies. The principal subspecies, C.c.commersonii, has sharply-delineated black-and-white patterning and is found around the tip of South America. The secondary subspecies, C.c.kerguelenensis, is larger than C.c.commersonii, has a less-sharply delineated dark and light grey patterning with a white ventral band, and is found around the Kerguelen Islands in the Indian Ocean.
Fun Fact
Commerson's dolphins are among the world's smallest cetaceans and are strikingly patterned in black and white, living in the cold waters around Patagonia and the Kerguelen Islands.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found around the Kerguelen Islands in the Indian Ocean.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of coastal and pelagic fish and squid.
Lifespan
18 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance