Sousa – Humpback dolphins

A fascinating group of coastal dolphins found in warm, shallow waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as well as parts of the Atlantic. What makes them unique compared to other dolphins is the distinctive hump beneath their dorsal fin, which gives the genus its name. This hump, most noticeable in adults, is made up of extra fatty tissue and sometimes even bone, though its exact purpose is still debated. Some scientists think it may help with strength and stability during swimming, while others suggest it plays a role in social display. Their dorsal fins are smaller and more curved than those of open-ocean dolphins, making them stand out even more.

Members of the genus Sousa are also special because they come in a variety of surprising colors. While young dolphins are usually gray, adults in some species lighten as they age, sometimes turning almost white or even pink. The most famous example is the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, found around Hong Kong and the Pearl River estuary, which can appear bubblegum pink due to blood vessels close to the skin that help regulate temperature. This unusual coloration makes them one of the most instantly recognizable dolphins in the world and sets them apart from the sleek, uniformly gray look of most other dolphin species.

Humpback dolphins are coastal specialists, unlike many dolphins that roam the open sea. They prefer shallow waters near shore, especially estuaries, river mouths, lagoons, and sandbanks. This lifestyle makes it easier for them to see from beaches and fishing boats, but it also puts them at greater risk from human activities such as pollution, shipping traffic, and fishing nets. They feed on fish and squid, often using cooperative hunting techniques to herd schools of prey into tight groups before taking turns to grab a meal. Their coastal habits and flexible feeding strategies make them very different from oceanic dolphins that rely on deep-water prey.