Often mistaken for an Hourglass dolphin, the Dusky shares common characteristics of the Hourglass in relation to body size, shape, and areas of habitat. However, the unique markings of the hourglass are not present in the Dusky.
Dusky dolphins can reach lengths up to 7 feet, and can weigh 100 to 200 pounds. Newborn Dusky dolphins are approximately 22 to 30 inches in length and weigh from 7 to 11 pounds, the same weight as some human babies, at birth.
Dusky dolphins have very complex color patterns. The throat chest and belly of the Dusky are all a vivid white, while the back is a dark black color. The edges of the dorsal fin, the snout, the tail and the flanks are also dark black while the rest of these areas are various colors of gray.
Dusky dolphins travel in pods that usually contain between 5 to 15 animals. However, it is not uncommon to see the Dusky in pods with as many members as 1,000. Being a highly social animal, these dolphins may also integrate other species pods, such as the Common Dolphin, the Hourglass Dolphin, as well as Southern Right Whale. Inshore Coastal water of New Zealand, South Africa and South America are the most common habitat for the Dusky dolphin, but depending upon the pod, Dusky can travel as far east as the United States.
Dusky dolphins are known for their water acrobatics. They are often seen leaping out of the water, at times with speeds so quick they will turn themselves head over tail. From vast research, three specific types of "leaping behavior" have been noted. Bernd and Melany Wursig, who have studied the Dusky dolphin for years, were the first to identify these specific behaviors and theorize that each was used for a specific purpose.
The three leaping behaviors include the "head first reentry," the "noisy leaps," and the "performance leaps." It is believed that the "head first reentry," in which the Dusky dolphin leaps out of the water and dives back in with out much noise or splash, is used to aid the Dusky in searching for feeding seabirds which would indicate a food source. The "noisy leaps" have been seen mainly when a school of anchovies, or other small fish, have been found and the leaps are a way of alerting the other members of the pod. The final behavior, the performance leaps, are believed to be more of a show or a time of play. These performance leaps include various twists, turns, somersaulting and is usually done after feeding.
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