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HEAVISIDE'S DOLPHIN
Cephalorhynchus heavisidii
Classification:
Although it was named after Captain Haviside, a case of an mistaken identity resulted this species being named after another Captain, and with the name Heaviside.
These dolphins are one of the smallest and least known of all cetaceans even though being a coastal species.
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Appearance:
Heaviside's dolphin is strong and heavily built with a cone-shaped head and dull beak. The dorsal fin is triangular and it is pointy, unlike the other members of the genus Cephalorhynchus which they have rounded fins.
Their flippers are small and with a blunt tips, and the flukes are mark with pointed tips. The body is grey with a very unique blue cape spreading back from just front of the dorsal fin, becoming wide and extend to the tailstock and at the sides.
There is a dark spots around each eye which may cover the face and a bright white area on the chest and a large white trident shaped area on the belly. The points of the trident facing up on both sides on the lower side of the body.
There is also a small white area behind each flipper. The Heaviside's dolphin is easy to distinguish from other cetaceans in its range due to its small size and special colour.
Behaviour:
Heaviside's dolphins are known to be very active. They will ‘porpoise' at high speed, are enthusiastic bowriders and will approach boats from a distance. They have been seen breaching and performing somersaults up to 2m in the air which end with the dolphin slapping its flukes on the surface of the water.
They are generally found in groups of two or three but small pods of up to 10 have been documented. Heaviside's dolphins prefer waters less than 100m and are usually seen within sighting distance of the shore. They feed on bottom-dwelling fish, cephalopods, and various crustaceans.
Other names:
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Benguela dolphin
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South African dolphin
1.
Maximum length:
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Male: 1.7m
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Female: 1.7m
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Calf: 0.8m
2.
Maximum weight:
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Male: 75 kg's
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Female: 75 kg's
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Calf: Unknown
3.
Diet:
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Demersal (e.g. – hake) and schooling fish
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Squid and octopus
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Crustaceans
4.
Estimated population:
Unknown
5.
Distribution map:
Distribution:
The Heaviside's dolphin is popular to southwestern Africa.
Their range is thought to extend from the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, in the south to Cape Cross, Namibia, in the north.
they are suffering from incidental entangle in fishing gear also some small-scale hunting.
Due to their limited range, coastal development, chemical pollution and interference by boat traffic.