Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin
Sousa chinensis
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedMammalia · Cetacea · Delphinidae
About
The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is a species of humpback dolphin inhabiting coastal waters of the eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans. This species is often referred to as the Chinese white dolphin in mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan as a common name. Some biologists regard the Indo-Pacific dolphin as a subspecies of the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin which ranges from East Africa to India. However, DNA testing studies have shown that the two are distinct species. A new species, the Australian humpback dolphin, was split off from S. chinensis and recognized as a distinct species in 2014. Nevertheless, there are still several unresolved issues in differentiation of the Indian Ocean-type and Indo-Pacific-type humpback dolphins.
Fun Fact
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are born dark grey and gradually turn pink with age — older individuals can be strikingly pink, a colour caused by blood vessel dilation near the skin surface for thermoregulation.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Coastal and estuarine waters
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
30-40 years
Threats
- Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Ocean Acidification
- Poaching