Black Dolphins
Facts about Black Dolphins
A small version of one of the most lovable finned creature, black dolphins are likely less well known than many of their close relatives. In fact, little research has been conducted about this variety of the dolphin family, which likely explains their anonymity to the general public.
The 1960’s television series called “Flipper” probably played a major role in detailing to the common man the intelligence and appealing nature of the dolphin. Dolphins are mammals of the deep; related to both porpoises and whales. Highly intelligent, curious and responsive to human interaction, these mammals create great interest with most humans. There are numerous different species of dolphins in a variety of sizes and appearances, with the most popular and recognizable dolphin being the bottlenose; gray in color, rounded forehead with a distinctive beak and a large streamlined body that could cut through the ocean waters with lightning speed. Equally as deserving of note are the other varieties of dolphin that, while perhaps not as popular as the star of television series, are just as intriguing and interesting.
One of the species that somehow has escaped the scrutiny and research that other dolphins have seen are black dolphins, also known as the Chilean dolphin. Found only in colder coastal waters, this dolphin species is one of the smallest of the family. Shallow waters in South America, Chile, Argentina, Isla Navarino, Cape Horn and the Beagle Channel are natural habitats for pods of Chilean dolphins.
The Chilean dolphin is darker in color than most, but the main colors of the body are mixtures of grays. The belly is white, as is the throat and the area joining the flippers to the trunk. An identifiable feature of most dolphins, the rounded forehead and the beak, is noticeably absent with the Chileans. Instead, the head slopes from the dorsal fin to the mouth at an even angle. In proportion to the smaller body size of less than 70 inches in length, the dorsal fin and flippers are also smaller than those found on their better known kin.
Surprisingly, not much is really known about the habits and lifestyles of black dolphins. It is known that their diets consist of food found in shallower waters, such as crustaceans, anchovies, squid, sardines and a wide variety of other small fish that travel densely in schools. What remains to be discovered are facts such as their migratory habits and their reproductive patterns. Curiously, it is thought that, while in the womb, the fetus of this dolphin species is curled; a speculation derived from the existence of a condition known as fetal folds on the young offspring. These folds are simply vertical lines that remain after birth for periods ranging from a few weeks to several months, and are a feature that the Chileans have in common with bottlenose dolphins. Information on the growth and development of the young black mammals is also unclear; likely due to the shy and evasive behaviors of the dolphins.
There are other features that the Chilean or black dolphin shares with its cousins. One such feature is the amazing speed in which the dolphins are able to travel through the water. Able to reach speeds of 20 miles per hour and higher, the mammal swims efficiently and cleanly but will tire quickly at these speeds for long durations. A more normal speed of around 5 miles per hour will enable the dolphin to travel long distances over an extended period of time effortlessly.
Elusive and unassuming, black dolphins remain much of an enigma to researchers and the general public alike. Features such as their size and shape may differ from their more popular cousins, but they also share many qualities with them as well. Perhaps time will make us more familiar with this small and compact marine mammal.