Dusky dolphin

Dusky dolphin
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Artiodactyla
Infraorder:	Cetacea
Family:	Delphinidae
Genus:	Lagenorhynchus
Species:	L. obscurus
Binomial name
Lagenorhynchus obscurus (J. E. Gray, 1828)
Subspecies
L. o. fitzroyi L. o. obscurus L. o. posidonia

The dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) is a small oceanic dolphin found in coastal waters of the Southern Hemisphere. It is most closely related to the Pacific white-sided dolphin. The dolphin's range is patchy, with major populations around South America, southwestern Africa, New Zealand, and various oceanic islands, with some sightings around southern Australia and Tasmania. Like its closest relative, the dusky dolphin has a multi-coloured pigmentation of black, grey and white.

The dusky dolphin prefers cool currents and inshore waters, but can also be found offshore. It lives in a fission–fusion society where groups change size based on social and ecological conditions. The dolphin feeds on a variety of fish and squid species and has flexible hunting tactics. Mating is polygynandrous and several males will chase after a single female, the most fit being able to catch her and reproduce. Females raise their young in nursery groups. The dusky dolphin is known for its remarkable acrobatics, having a number of aerial behaviours.

The dusky dolphin is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. It has been caught in gill nets and killed to be used as bait. It has been a popular tourist attraction and the object of whale watching tours. Both unregulated tours and mussel farms can interfere with the dolphin's activities.