Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Delphinidae
- Genus
- Sousa
Habitat
This species inhabits shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and mangrove areas in the Indo-Pacific region, from eastern Africa to Australia. They prefer warm, tropical and subtropical waters with depths up to 20 meters, often near river mouths and coral reefs.
Diet
Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphins primarily eat fish such as mullets and sardines, along with squid and crustaceans. They hunt in groups using echolocation, typically feeding during the day in shallow waters.
Behavior
These dolphins are highly social, forming pods of 5-15 individuals that engage in cooperative hunting and playful behaviors like breaching and bow-riding boats. They are diurnal, active during the day, and exhibit territorial behavior in core habitats, though they are generally adaptable to human presence. Males may compete for mates, showing aggressive displays.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Near Threatened, with populations declining due to threats like habitat degradation, pollution, and bycatch in fishing nets.