Cephalorhynchus Heavisidii
Heaviside's Dolphin can be found in cold waters along the
south-western coast of Africa. Local Names: South African
Dolphin; Benguela Dolphin.
Heaviside's Dolphin is small and stocky. The fore half of
the body is uniformly grey in colour, with the dorsal cape,
fin, flanks and keel being dark blue-black. A similarly-coloured
stripe runs from the blowhole to the cape. The flippers and
eyepatch are the same colour. The beak is indistinct, and
there are 44-56 teeth in each jaw. The underside is white,
with white 'armpits' behind the flippers and a rhombus shape
on the chest. A finger-shaped patch extends from the belly
along each flank. Adults grow to around 1.7m in length and
weigh around 60-70kg.
Due to the striking combination of colours, Heaviside's Dolphins
are not likely to be confused with any other species.
Heaviside's Dolphins prefer coastal waters of less than 150m
deep.
Heaviside's Dolphins seem to prey on fish, though information
about this is limited.
This species is normally found in units of between 2-10 animals,
and occasionally up to 30 individuals gather together for
a short amount of time.
Unknown.
Unknown.
Heaviside's Dolphins are accidentally caught in fishing gear
off South Africa and Namibia.
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