Common
Name: Fraser's Dolphin
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Family:
Delphinidae
Genus: Lagenodelphis
Species: Lagenodelphis
hosei |
Taxonomy/Description
Fraser's
dolphins belong to the Mammalian Order Cetacea, in the
suborder Odontoceti. All toothed whales belong to the
suborder Odontoceti, which is Latin for "toothed whales".
This dolphin belongs to the oceanic dolphin family,
Delphinidae. Other members of this family include the
killer whale, long-beaked common dolphin, and pilot whale.
Fraser's dolphin's scientific name is Lagenodelphis hosei.
The generic name, Lagenodelphis, is derived from the
Greek lagenos, meaning "flagon". The specific name,
hosei, is named for Dr. Charles Hose (1863-1929).
Hose was a British naturalist stationed in Sarawak, Borneo
1884 to 1907, discovering the skull of this dolphin on a
beach in 1895. Interestingly, this species was not
described until 1956, or even observed alive until 1971.
The common name is named for Dr. Francis Fraser, the curator
of marine mammals at the British Museum of Natural History.
Fraser's
dolphins reach lengths of about 6-8ft and weigh as much as
450lbs. Males are larger than females. They are gray in
color, with a whitish underbelly. Three stripes, two white
stripes sandwiching a black stripe, run laterally down each
side. The pectoral fins and dorsal fin are small in
relationship to body size when compared to those of other
dolphins.
Habitat/Diet
Fraser's dolphin
is native to tropical ocean waters worldwide. The deep,
open ocean is preferred. Deep-sea fish and shrimp are the
primary components of this species' diet.
Behavior/Reproduction
Groups of 60-80
individuals have been observed. No breeding season is
apparent. Gestation lasts 10-12 months. Newborn claves are
about three feet in length. Calves become sexually mature
at seven years. Lifespan is estimated at 16 years.
Conservation
Fraser's
dolphins occasionally drown in tuna nets. Fortunately, this
species seems to be quite numerous despite its existence
outside of science until the 20th century. |