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Dolphin - Australian Snubfin Dolphin
These images are provided as a comparison between the common bottlenose dolphin, a human, and a snubfin dolphin.
The differences in size, head shape, and fin are obvious in these images.
The videos below will help you get a good look at this unusual mammal.
It’s hard to imagine an animal as large as a dolphin going undetected until 2005. And it’s not even like the Australian Snubfin Dolphin could be mistaken for what most people perceive a dolphin to look like – having a pointed nose (or beak). This dolphin has a round melon-like head! See figure 1, the Snubfin, versus figure 2, the Bottlenose.
In 2005 scientists were doing DNA profiles and skull measurements on what they thought to be Irrawaddy dolphins, Orcaella brevirostris,(Figure 3) in the Australian waters. But to their amazement, they had discovered a new species of dolphin, the Australian Snubfin Dolphin, Orcaella heinsohnii, (Figure 1) – the only dolphin native to Australia.
The discovery of a new species of mammal is extremely rare. And, the Australian Snubfin is the first new dolphin species to be discovered in 56 years.
The Australian Snubfin Dolphin resides in the warmer waters of the northern Australian coast in waters less that 49 feet (15 meters) deep.
The Snubfin's appearance is very unusual in a couple aspects. As you can tell in Figure 1, the Snubfin has a short stubby dorsal fin on its back compared to the typical Bottlenose (Figure 2). It is from this fin that the Snubfin’s name was derived. It also has a rounded melon-shaped head, and a distinct skin crease around a flexible neck. One other mammal, also ocean dwelling, has a flexible neck – the Beluga whale. This flexible neck allows the Snubfin to turn its head!
The Australian Snubfin Dolphin averages between 59 - 106 inches (1.5 – 2.7 meters) in length. The male is typically slightly larger than the female. Rather than being located on the center of its head, its blowhole is located slightly off-center and to the left. The Australian Snubfin Dolphin ranges in color from cream to shades of brown and gray; its underside typically being lighter in color. The Snubfin ‘s lifespan is believed to be approximately 30 years.
The Snubfin usually swims in a pod size of 5-6, but some pods are as large as 14-15 dolphins. As they are swimming, they generally surface every minute or so, but can remain underwater for up to 12 minutes. They are not as acrobatic as most dolphins making only very small jumps in addition to the typical tail slapping.
The Irrawaddy dolphin is very similar in appearance to the Australian Snubfin Dolphin.
They may have remained undiscovered for so long because they are very shy, not swimming around boats like other dolphin species are known to do.
The Australian Snubfin’s typical diet is fish, squid, octopus, prawns and crabs. The Snubfin catches its prey in a very unusual manner. A group of dolphins will form a circle with their heads above the water. They spit the water, which diverts the fish towards other dolphins where it is quickly snatched up.
The Australian Snubfin Dolphin is believed to reach sexual maturity at 4-6 years of age. The Snubfin is sexually active year round, with most activity occurring in the winter months. The gestation period is believed to last approximately 14 month. Therefore, calves are born any time of the year, but most are also born during the winter months. They are born tail first so that as soon as the head appears the calf can be gently guided to the water’s surface to take its first breath. Being a mammal, dolphins do not have gills, and must come to the surface to breath. It is believed that the Snubfin will have a calf every 2-3 years, making recovery from its threatened status slow.
The Australian Snubfin Dolphin is considered to as ‘near threatened, data deficient’, meaning that we don’t know enough to make a determination but what we do know indicates that it may be threatened. It is believed that there may be less than 1000 Australian Snubfin Dolphins in existence.
Threats to its existence include being caught in fishing nets, overfishing of its prey by humans, water pollution and habitat destruction.
To learn more about the Snubfin:
- Australian snubfin dolphin
Marine Parks WA showcases Marine Parks, Animals, Ecosystems and Environmental Management on the Western Australian Coast. - WWF New Zealand - Rare dolphins threatened by boat strikes, fishing gear
Comments: "Australian Snubfin Dolphin"
Great article, homesteadbound. These are such beautiful creatures and sadly, threatened. Thank you for getting the word out about them. Votes up and beautiful!
The words Australian and dolphin were enough for me to want to read this hub. I love both. My family and I visited Northern Queensland early in 2009, but I’ve never heard of these dolphins - and I’m a member of WWF! Thanks for bringing their plight to attention.
If you ever do go to Australia I think you’d love it. It has something magical about it. We went to a few parts of Queensland and to the Perth area, and it was hard to leave to come back home!
PS: It's just typical of some politicians to ignore pressing, practical issues such as gas prices, yet to spend time fussing about subjects such as bikini top straps on beaches. (Not that I'm a naturist.)
Anyway, we'll see if we can't get to Australia one day. It's an amazing country and I've met lots of nice Australians.
Well, I see. It doesn't surprise me, really, anyway. (Was it, like, obvious?)
YW. I guess, too, that many Australians on beaches would make American cheerleaders look like nuns, too... .
Different, yes.
Well, exactly. We need to be careful. Anyway, all the coral, and marine life along that amazing east coast of Australia would be impressive. Sydney Harbour, too; the strange-looking Opera House, etc. (Though the Bondi beach would probably be a bit relaxed by US standards. Blessings.
Australians are unique people, as well, I would add. (Nice, of course.)
Those who go should check first for deep vein thrombosis, though; such a long haul.
Blessings.
Voted up. Interesting; Australia has such a lot of wildlife and marine life, and it would be great to visit the Great Barrier Reef along Australia's east coast, places such as the oddly named Surfer's Paradise, and even maybe Bondi Beach?
This was a most interesting read. How did I miss the news that a new dolphin was discovered in 2005?! I love dolphins and it breaks my heart we couldn't protect these precious creatures before now. Perhaps the shy beauties knew we would protect them and that's why they finally surfaced :D
Dang , That is odd that they have just discovered(2005) this species of dolphin , and i thought Jacques cousteu on top of everything ! Hmmm.. imagine that , very well written and informational hub , i voted up all the way across except funny of course , they should have discovered it sooner , have a wonderful evening :)
Wow. This is the first I've heard of the Snubfin Dolphins discovery. You've got to wonder what else is out there that we don't know about yet?
Very interesting stuff. +vote up.
Hi homesteadbound, that's amazing they didn't discover the snubfin dolphin until 2005!
Thank you for a really interesting and informative hub, I love learning about dolphins!
Voting up.
Hi Homesteadbound, I would love to visit Austrailia and witness these beautiful creatures. I can't believe there are less than 1000 left. Your hub is so interesting - voting up!
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