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Sousa chinensis (Osbeck, 1765)

Family Name: Delphinidae
Taxonomic Group: Vertebrates (Mammal)
Common Name: Indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphin

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Description

Description Adults usually have long, low hump on the back with a small triangular fin on top, but some forms lack the hump and have a larger fin. Colours vary from uniform dull grey to pure white or pink, with some speckled individuals.

Ecology, Habitat & Location

Ecological Notes Coastal seas and estuaries. In Singapore, usually seen in open water. This dolphin travels in groups of varying size and feeds mainly on fish.
Habitats Marine, Open Sea
Distribution In Singapore, observed in the Singapore Straits, as well as in the Johor Straits between Pulau Tekong and Punggol. Widely distributed in the tropical Indo-Pacific from Africa eastward to along the Western Pacific.

Conservation

Trends & Threats Possibly water pollution and of drowning in fishing nets.
Scientific Interest & Potential Value Captive performing individuals at Underwater World Singapore are a tourist attraction.
Conservation Notes Stringent policing against water pollution.

Status

Singapore Red Data Book Status Critically Endangered (CR) [3rd Edition]

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References

References

Davison G.W.H., Gan J.W.M., Huang D., Hwang W.S., Lum S.K.Y., Yeo D.C.J. (eds.). 2024. The Singapore Red Data Book: Red Lists of Singapore Biodiversity, Third Edition. National Parks Board, Singapore.


Francis, C.M. 2008. A field guide to the mammals of South-east Asia. United Kingdom: New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd. 392pp

 

 

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Species record last updated on: 08 September 2026.
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