Commerson's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) lives in cold coastal waters across South America and Antarctica. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Commerson's Dolphin
- Two subspecies of Commerson's dolphin inhabit opposite ends of the planet, their ranges divided by roughly 130° of longitude and about 8,500 km. The South American form lives around the tip of the continent while the other occupies waters near the Kerguelen Islands in the Indian Ocean. Despite this huge separation, each population is considered locally common, although scientists have no explanation for the disjunct distribution.
- A mature female captured off southern Patagonia weighed only 23 kg and measured 1.36 m, a size that may represent the smallest adult cetacean ever recorded. This tiny stature is notable because the species as a whole is already among the smallest cetaceans, typically reaching about 1.5 m in length. Such dimensions highlight the extreme miniaturisation seen in this stocky dolphin, which still displays typical dolphin behaviour despite its diminutive size.
- Commerson's dolphins sometimes swim upside-down, a posture believed to improve their view of prey near the surface. This behaviour complements their active lifestyle, which includes rapid surface swimming, leaping, spinning and even surfing on breaking waves close to shore. Their diet consists of a mix of coastal and pelagic fish and squid, so the upside-down stance likely aids in spotting these fast-moving targets.
- A lone Commerson's dolphin was photographed on South Africa's Agulhas Bank in 2004, a location 4,200 km from the Kerguelen Islands and 6,300 km from South America. The species normally occurs in two disjunct subspecies that are separated by about 8,500 km and 130° of longitude.
- Wild Commerson's dolphins can live up to 18 years, while the longest-lived captive individual reached at least 33 years before dying. Females become sexually mature at six to nine years, and males mature at a similar age, with mating and calving occurring in spring and summer after an 11-month gestation.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeSouth America and Antarctica
HabitatCold coastal waters
DietFish and squid
About the Commerson's Dolphin
In the crystal-clear waters of the southernmost tip of South America, the Commerson's dolphin dances with unbridled joy, its diminutive form darting and weaving through the waves with an effortless elegance. As it moves, its distinctive black and white markings seem to shimmer and glow, like the polished hues of a perfectly crafted gemstone, drawing the eye inexorably to this charismatic creature. With a playful nature and an irrepressible spirit, the Commerson's dolphin embodies the very essence of the ocean's untamed beauty.
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