The scientific name for the Hector’s dolphin is
Cephalorhynchus hectori The Hector’s dolphin is the
smallest in the delphinidae family and the smallest
sea-living dolphin, as well as the rarest oceanic
species. Female Hector’s dolphins are usually 1.2 – 1.4
metres long and weigh about 45 kilograms, males are a
little smaller and weigh about 10 kilograms less than
the females. Of all the dolphins seen in New Zealand
waters, Hector’s dolphins are the only ones with a
rounded dorsal fin (shown in the diagram above).
Hector’s dolphins feed on fish and other sea creatures
found in shallow water with a sandy bottom, such as
flounder, red cod, mackerel, crabs and squid. The
Hector’s dolphin was given ‘threatened species’ status
by the Department of Conservation in December 1999.
Robin is swimming with the dolphins. They pop up here
and there. Sometimes you can only see their shadows.