Fraser’s Dolphin
(Lagenodelphis hosei)
Identity card
Taxonomy
Order: Odontocetes
Family: Delphinidae
Species: Lagenodelphis hosei
Measurements
2 to 2.7 m, weighing 160 to 210 kg
Lifespan
Around 18 years
IUCN status
Least Concern
(International Red List, Martinique 2020 Red List)
Data Deficient
(Guadeloupe 2022 Red List)
Habitat
It lives in open seas at depths below 500 m and in all tropical and subtropical oceans.
Un juvénile de dauphin de Fraser avec sa mère. On distingue son ventre rosé.
Cedric MILLON / OMMAG
Un juvénile de dauphin de Fraser avec sa mère. On distingue son ventre rosé.
Cedric MILLON / OMMAG
Dauphin de Fraser (Lagenodelphis hosei).
Yannick Stephan - Mayotte Découverte
Dauphin de Fraser (Lagenodelphis hosei).
Yannick Stephan - Mayotte Découverte
Reproduction
Sexually mature between 5 and 10 years old, it breeds all year round and gives birth to a calf after a 12-month gestation period and approximately every 2 years.
Diet
It feeds on a wide variety of fish, crustaceans and cephalopods hunted in groups in deep waters and on the surface.
Morphological characteristics for distinction at sea
- Head: short rostrum
- Fins and flippers: small and triangular dorsal fin, short and pointed pectoral fins
- Colouring: grey/blue back and whitish pink belly
Clink on the link to see the Fraser’s Dolphin in 3D:
Dauphin de Fraser / Fraser's Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Dauphin de Fraser / Fraser's Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Did you know?
Fraser's Dolphin is sometimes referred to as the 'piggy dolphin' because of its stocky appearance and pink belly.