Animal Corner

Discover the many amazing animals that live on our planet.

  • Home
  • A-Z Animals
  • Anatomy
  • Glossary
  • Quizzes
  • Dog Breeds
  • Animal Care
You are here: Home / Animals / Commerson Dolphin

Commerson Dolphin

Image Source

Commerson’s Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii)

Commerson’s Dolphin is one of four dolphins in the Cephalorhynchus genus. The species has also the common names Skunk Dolphin and Piebald Dolphin. Commerson’s Dolphin has a very distinctive patterning. It has a black head, dorsal fin, and fluke, with a white throat and body. The definition between the two colours is very clear-cut. In shape and size this dolphin is stocky and grows to around 1.5 metres. Its appearance resembles that of a porpoise, but its conspicuous behaviour is typical of a dolphin.

Their dorsal fin has a long, straight leading edge which ends in a curved tip. The fluke has a notch in the middle. This dolphin has no beak.

Commerson’s Dolphin Behaviour

The Commerson’s Dolphin is very active. It is often seen swimming rapidly on the surface and leaping from the water. It also spins and twists as it swims and may surf on breaking waves when very close to the shore. The Commerson’s Dolphin will bow-ride and swim behind fast-moving boats.

Commerson’s Dolphin Diet

The Commerson’s Dolphin feeds on a mix of coastal and pelagic fish and squid. Those in the South American sub-population supplement their diet with crustaceans.

Commerson’s Dolphin Distribution

The Commerson’s Dolphin is distributed in two locations. The larger population is found inshore in various inlets in Argentina, in the Strait of Magellan and near the Falkland Islands. The second population resides near the Kerguelen Islands, 8,000 kilometres to the east of their nearest special cousins. They prefer shallow waters. Global populations are unknown, but the species is accepted to be locally common. A survey in 1984 estimated there to be 3,400 individuals in the Strait of Magellan.

Commerson’s Dolphin Reproduction

Females reach breeding age at 6 to 9 years. Males reach sexual maturation at about the same age. Mating occurs in the spring and summer and calving occurs after a gestation period of 11 months. The oldest known Commerson’s Dolphin died at age 18.

Commerson’s Dolphin Conservation

The IUCN lists Commerson’s Dolphin as data deficient in its Red List of Threatened Species. The proximity of the dolphin to the shore makes accidental killing in gillnets a common occurrence. The dolphin was killed for use as crab bait by some Argentinian and Chilean fishermen in the 1970s and 80s. This practice has been reduced.

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About

  • Common Dolphin
  • Common Wasps
  • Hectors Dolphin
  • Common Lizard
  • Common Palm Civet
  • Common Buzzard

Search the Animals

Most Popular Animals

  • Zebras
  • Aquatic Warbler
  • Atlantic Dolphins
  • Trapdoor Spider
  • Giraffe
  • Meerkats
  • Timber Wolf
  • Praying Mantis
  • Huntsman Spider
  • Vampire Bat

Galapagos Islands

galapagos-islands

Animal Names Glossary

Animal Names

British Wildlife

british-wildlife

Mammals

anatomy

Dog Breeds

anatomy

Latest Buying Guides

  • The Best 20 Gallon Fish Tank Guide – 2021
  • The Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank Guide – 2021
  • The Best Aquarium Vacuum Buyers Guide – 2021
  • The Best Goldfish Food Buyers Guide – 2021
  • The Best Aquarium Rock Buyers Guide – 2021

Copyright © 2005-2020 · Animal Corner · All Rights Reserved · Affiliate Disclaimer

AnimalCorner.co.uk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.