What is an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin?

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is a species of humpback dolphin belonging to the genus Sousa. As their name suggests, they have a small hump on their backs. This hump is located in front of their dorsal fin and is made of fat. They also have a low dorsal fin compared to other dolphins. They live in the coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans and prefer shallow waters. They are born gray but their skin lightens to pink or white as they grow older. This is because the blood vessels beneath their skin become visible. They can dilate and constrict these blood vessels to regulate their body temperature, and when the vessels dilate, their skin appears pink. As they age, their skin thickens, and the pink color fades, becoming closer to white. They form small groups of a few to several dozen individuals. They are known to eat fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are also known for their curious nature and may approach boats or swim alongside them.

What do Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins eat?

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are carnivores, mainly feeding on fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs. They swim along the shallow seabed, searching for food. They can also use echolocation to locate prey. By emitting sound waves, they can understand their surroundings and pinpoint the location of their prey.

[Quiz!] Why are Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins pink?

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are born gray, but their skin lightens to pink or white as they grow older. This is because the blood vessels beneath their skin become more visible. They can dilate and constrict these blood vessels to regulate their body temperature. When the vessels dilate, their skin appears pink. As they age, their skin thickens, and the pink fades to a more whitish color.

[Quiz!] Are Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins endangered?

Yes, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. Their population is declining due to bycatch from fisheries, marine pollution, and habitat destruction. Coastal development is a significant threat, particularly in China. Protecting Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins requires fishing regulations, pollution control, habitat conservation, and international cooperation for their protection.

Animal Article

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin

In the waters of Asia, swims a beautiful dolphin with a pale pink hue: the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. These dolphins, known for living in shallow coastal waters and their active hunting of fish, are facing a decline in numbers, pushing them towards the brink of extinction. Let's explore the ecology of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and the efforts to protect them.