Fraser's dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei Fraser, 1956

Sightings in Madeira

August to April

ID characteristics

Chunky body, blue-grey on the upper-side and creamy on the undersides, with tiny, pointed and dark flippers.
Grey to black lateral stripe that extends from face to anus and which varies in width and intensity between the individuals.
Short but well defined beak.
Dorsal fin is triangular and relatively small.

Surface behaviour

It has an aggressive swimming style, making a lot of splash and often in large pods.
Normally shy and rarely playful.

Distribution

Pantropical distribution from 30º North to 30º South in deep waters

Social

Frequently observed in mixed groups of Melon-headed, False killer and Short-finned pilot whales and Stripped dolphins.

Diet

Feeds on mesopelagic fish, crustaceans and cephalopods. Often feeds at surface as well.

Biometrics

Max length: 2.7 m
Adult weight: 160 - 210 kg

IUCN Status: Least concern
Madeira frequency status: Rare (only 5 records)

Other languages common names

GER - Borneo-Delphin
FRA - Dauphin de Fraser
ESP - Delfín de Fraser
SWE - Kortnäbbad delfin
DAN - Hvidskæving-delfin
ITA - Lagenodelfino
NED - Sarawakdolfijn
NOR - Delfiner Havgående
POL - Delfin Malajski
POR - Golfinho-de-fraser