The Fraser's dolphin

​General description

The Fraser's dolphin has a very robust spindle-shaped body. Its head has a moderately rounded melon and a very short and stocky rostrum. Its dorsal fin, located in the middle of the back, is small and pointed, with a triangular shape in males and more curved in females. The pigmentation of the Fraser's dolphin is characteristic of the species: it is dark gray on the back and white, even pink, on the belly. A creamy white stripe runs down the middle of its flanks, starting above and in front of the eyes and narrowing towards the base of the caudal fin. Between this stripe and the light ventral side, there is a wide dark stripe, acting like a mask, which runs from the eyes to the anus.

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Habitat

Mainly pelagic, Fraser's dolphin is widespread in tropical and subtropical waters. It can also be observed near the coasts of islands.

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Diet

Its diet is varied and includes fish, cephalopods such as squid, as well as crustaceans.

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Behavior

Gregarious, the Fraser's dolphin groups together in herds numbering from a few dozen to several hundred individuals. These groups can also include other species of cetaceans, such as the bottlenose dolphin, the pantropical spotted dolphin, the spinner dolphin or the pseudorcas. Fast and dynamic, this dolphin can reach speeds of 25 to 30 km/h. He often practices porpoising, alternating between accelerations underwater and jumps above the surface. This practice is often synchronized between members of the group, which offers an impressive spectacle characteristic of this species.