Mammals of the WorldSouthern Right-whale Dolphin
Lissodelphis peronii
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Delphinidae
- Genus
- Lissodelphis
- IUCN status
- LC
- Distribution
- Argentina|Australia|Brazil|Chile|Falkland Islands|Mozambique|Namibia|New Zealand|Peru|Saint Helena|South Africa|South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands|Uruguay
- Realm
- Marine
Other names: Mealy-mouthed Porpoise|Peron's Dolphin
About this species
- Size
- Length 2–3 m, weight up to 116 kg
- Habitat
- Cool temperate and Subantarctic open ocean
- Range
- Surrounding seas
The southern right-whale dolphin is a slender oceanic dolphin of cool New Zealand waters. It is uncommon and usually seen far offshore. It lacks a dorsal fin and has a black upper body sharply divided from white underparts. Adults are approximately 2–3 metres long.
It inhabits cool temperate and Subantarctic oceanic water. New Zealand records occur mainly beyond the continental shelf. Fast-moving groups may contain hundreds of animals. They eat fish and squid and associate with other cetaceans.
The species is Uncommon nationally. Its New Zealand population remains poorly understood. There is no reliable coastal site. Extended pelagic voyages through Cook Strait or Subantarctic waters offer a small chance.
Description: Wildlife of New Zealand guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com)