The black and white patterns of the Commerson’s dolphin may serve as a form of disruptive camouflage, enhancing its hunting capabilities.
Nature has its unique way of creating fascinating combinations, such as the Commerson’s dolphin. Unlike the typical colors of dolphins, this species features a black and white pattern reminiscent of a panda and exhibits a peculiar backward swimming behavior.
Commerson’s dolphin has a black and white pattern similar to a panda. (Photo: iNaturalist).
The Commerson’s dolphin, also known as the panda dolphin, consists of two subspecies: Cephalorhynchus commersonii found in South America and Cephalorhynchus commersonii kerguelenensis residing in the waters near the Kerguelen Islands in the Indian Ocean. This means they are approximately 8,500 km apart, yet scientists are unclear about the exact reasons for this separation.
The dolphins around the Kerguelen Islands are larger, measuring about 1.8 meters in length and weighing 86 kg, whereas their South American relatives weigh only 45 kg. Both subspecies share the same black and white patterns, earning them various nicknames such as panda dolphin, ferret dolphin, or spotted dolphin.
There are many other spotted animals in the world, characterized by irregular patches of color, often black and white. The genetic cause behind this pattern type is closely related to leucism. Leucistic animals exhibit a reduction in all pigments, rather than just melanin as seen in albinism. In spotted animals, only certain body parts are affected by this pigmentation reduction.
Experts suggest that the black and white pattern may enhance hunting efficiency as a form of disruptive camouflage, concealing the shape of the Commerson’s dolphin. However, their “outfit” is not their only remarkable feature. They have also mastered the skill of swimming on their backs, making it easier to spot and observe prey.
This may come as a surprise to those familiar with the hunting tactics of orcas. These intelligent hunters will flip large prey onto their backs to induce a temporary state of immobility; for example, flipping can cause sharks to enter a sleep-like state. However, Commerson’s dolphins do not experience such immobilization. They swim comfortably with their bellies facing upwards.
The diet of the Commerson’s dolphin is diverse, including shoaling fish, squid, sea worms, shrimp, and occasionally even seaweed. They are not picky eaters and take advantage of the seasonal availability of prey in their habitat.
“The Commerson’s dolphin exhibits typical curiosity towards humans and is willing to approach boats to ride the waves at the bow and stern. They are lively and energetic, often performing figure-eight swimming patterns beneath boats, swirling underwater, and leaping out of the water. Commerson’s dolphins also seem to enjoy surfing near the shore,” said the Whale and Dolphin Conservation organization in the UK.
Commerson’s dolphins swimming around a boat in Argentina. (Video: Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC)).
