COSMOS MAGAZINE

Australian snubfin dolphin: a dolphin that does ‘yoga’

Images: Holly Raudino.

The snubfin dolphin, found in northern Australia's tropical waters, was only recognised as a species in 2005. It has a unique appearance with a blunt head and no beak. Fewer than 10,000 adults remain in the wild.

Name:  Australian  snubfin dolphin  (Orcaella heinsohni)

Size:  Length 2-2.5 metres, weight up to 130kg

Diet:  Carnivore, eating fish and cephalopods (squid)

Habitat: Tropical coastal waters of Northern Australia including WA, NT and QLD

Conservation status: Vulnerable

Superpower:  Snubfin dolphins can flex their necks, allowing them to surface and breathe without showing their dorsal fins, making identification challenging.

THE INFORMATION YOU NEED

Images: Holly Raudino.