Australian snubfin dolphin

Australian Stupsfinnendelfin, characteristic is the short fin.

The Australian Stupsfinnendelfin ( Orcaella heinsohni ) is a dolphin, which was first described in 2005 and until then with the closely related Irrawaddy dolphin ( Orcaella brevirostris ) was considered conspecific. However, there are significant differentiators, and the species status was confirmed by genetic testing. The fact that this type remained long undetected, due to their fear of people and boats, of which she keeps in contrast to other species of dolphins. After the short fin called the first to describe the nature of Australian Snubfin Dolphin.

Features

In contrast to the two-tone Irrawaddy dolphin of the Australian Stupsfinnendelfin is tri-color. In addition to the blue- gray body coloration with a pale belly show Australian Stupsfinnendelfine on a dark cape on the back. The areas are less clearly delineated. Furthermore, there are differences in cranial and fin shape of both types. Through analysis of the genome of the species status was additionally justified. The males reach about 270 centimeters body length, females 210 centimeters.

Dissemination

In Australian waters in Townsville could be detected by the Erstbeschreibern around 200 animals. It is believed that extends the range of the species from the north-east of Australia to Papua New Guinea.

Swell

• Isabel Beasley, Kelly M. Robertson, Peter Arnold: Description of a new dolphin, the Australian Snubfin Dolphin Orcaella heinsohni sp. n ( Cetacea, Delphinidae ). In: Marine Mammal Science. 21, No. 3, 2005, pp. 365-400.