| Peale's dolphin | |
|---|---|
_off_the_coast_of_Calbuco%2c_Chile_(380921709).jpg) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Artiodactyla |
| Infraorder: | Cetacea |
| Family: | Delphinidae |
| Genus: | Cephalorhynchus |
| Species: | C. australis |
| Binomial name | |
| Cephalorhynchus australis (Peale, 1848) | |
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| Peale's dolphin range | |
Peale's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus australis) is a smalldolphin found in the waters aroundTierra del Fuego at the foot ofSouth America. It is also commonly known as theblack-chinned dolphin or evenPeale's black-chinned dolphin. However, since Rice's work[3] Peale's dolphin has been adopted as the standard common name.
Though it had traditionally been placed in the genusLagenorhynchus,molecular analyses indicated Peale's dolphin is more closely related to the dolphins of the genusCephalorhynchus. Some behavioral and morphological data supported moving Peale's dolphin toCephalorhynchus.[4] According toSchevill & Watkins 1971, Peale's dolphin and theCephalorhynchus species are the only dolphins that do not whistle. Peale's dolphin also shares with severalCephalorhynchus species the possession of a distinct white "armpit" marking behind the pectoral fin. As a result, Peale's dolphin was reclassified asCephalorhynchus australis in 2025.[5]
Peale's dolphin is of typical size in its family — about 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in length at birth and 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in) when fully mature. Its adult weight is about 115 kg (254 lb). It has a dark-grey face and chin. The back is largely black with a single off-white stripe running, curving, and thickened as it runs down the back on each side. The belly is white. Conspicuously, also, a white patch occurs just behind each flipper. These are known as the "armpits". The flanks also have a large white-grey patch above the flipper. Thedorsal fin is large for this sizecetacean and distinctively falcate. The flippers themselves are small and pointed. The tail fin, too, has pointed tips, as well as a notch at its middle.
The species looks similar to the dusky dolphin when viewed at a distance, and may be confused with it.
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Peale's dolphin is endemic to the coastal waters around southernSouth America. On the Pacific side, they have been seen as far north asValdivia,Chile, at38°S. On the Atlantic side, sightings typically diminish at about44°S — nearGolfo San Jorge,Argentina. In the south, they have been seen at almost60°S — well into theDrake Passage.
They are often found in areas of fast-moving waters, such as entrances to channels and narrows, as well as close to shore in safe areas such as bays.
The total population is unknown, but recent research estimates there to be ~21,800 individuals in the South Atlantic part of its range.[1]
Peale's dolphins congregate in small groups, usually about five, and sometimes up to 20.[6] On rare occasions in summer and autumn, much larger groups have been recorded (100 individuals). A typical pattern is for the group to move in a line parallel to the shore. They usually swim slowly, but are prone to bursts of activity.[1]
Peale's dolphins are often found swimming slowly near kelp beds.[6][7] They have been found to associate with other cetaceans, such as Commerson's dolphins.[7]
Using underwateracoustic recordings, it has been shown that Peale's dolphins can produce both broadband clicks and tonal whistles, along with the usual NBHF clicks produced by other whistlingOdontoceti species.[8]
In the southwestern South Atlantic, Peale's dolphin forages in the coastal ecosystem, feeding mainly on the demersal and bottom fish such as southern cod and Patagonian grenadier; also, octopus, squid, and shrimps have been found in stomachs examined. They feed in or near kelp beds and in open waters, with cooperative feeding, such as straight-line and large circle formations or star-burst feeding in which large groups encircle prey.[7]
Peale's dolphins' propensity for moving over only small areas and staying close to shore has rendered them vulnerable to interference by man. During the 1970s and '80s, Chilean fishermen killed and used thousands of Peale's dolphins for crab bait each year.[1][7] This practice has decreased, but has not been made illegal.[1][7]
In Argentina, Peale's dolphins have been reported becoming trapped in gill nets, but the extent of this is not known.[1] Conservation groups such as theWhale and Dolphin Conservation demand further research be made into this species.
The Peale's dolphin or black-chinned dolphin is listed on Appendix II[9] of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). It is listed on Appendix II[9] as it has an unfavourable conservation status or would benefit significantly from international co-operation organised by tailored agreements.[10]
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