Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Delphinidae
- Genus
- Cephalorhynchus
- Species
- Cephalorhynchus commersonii
Habitat
This subspecies primarily inhabits coastal waters around the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean, favoring shallow bays, inlets, and areas with strong tidal currents. They prefer cold, sub-Antarctic waters and are often found near kelp forests or rocky shores. Geographic range is limited to this isolated region, avoiding deeper open ocean.
Diet
Kerguelen dolphins feed mainly on small schooling fish like lanternfish and myctophids, as well as squid and krill. They hunt in groups using cooperative tactics to herd prey, typically feeding during the day in shallow waters. Feeding behavior includes rapid chases and surface dives to capture food.
Behavior
Kerguelen dolphins are highly social, forming pods of 10 to 100 individuals that travel and hunt together. They are active during the day, often engaging in playful behaviors like leaping and bow-riding boats, and exhibit territorial defense in feeding areas. These dolphins are curious and may approach humans, but they are generally non-aggressive.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status for Commerson's dolphin, including the Kerguelen subspecies, is Least Concern, with a stable population trend. Major threats include bycatch in fishing nets and potential habitat disturbance from human activities in the southern oceans.