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Southern Right Whale Dolphin (Lissodelphis peronii)
There is one physical feature obviously missing on this dolphin; can you
identify it? The Southern Right Whale Dolphin - and its counterpart the
Northern Right Whale Dolphin - are the only dolphins without a dorsal
fin. Although easy to identify by its striking black and white color
pattern, sometimes they can be mistaken for penguins when swimming at
speed, or confused with a fur seal or sea lion when swimming slowly. The
Right Whale Dolphin was supposedly given its name by whalers, who noted
it resembled the Right Whale, which also has no dorsal fin. Author
Herman Melville named this dolphin the Mealy-mouthed Porpoise,
describing its color this way: "The white comprises part of his head,
and the whole of his mouth, which makes him look as if he had just
escaped from a felonious visit to a meal-bag. A most mean and mealy
aspect!" How many other cetaceans can you find that don't have dorsal
fins? (Photo courtesy of Dr. Ingrid N. Visser)
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