Bodacious Dream Global Expedition

Commerson's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) is a small dolphin found off the southern tip of South America around Tierro del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. A second population is geographically isolated around the Kerguelen Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. These two populations likely split 10,000 years ago and are separated by 3,000 miles.

Length 4.25-5.75 ft (1.3-1.7 m)
Weight 75-130 lb (35-60 kg) less ↑

The Heaviside's Dolphin (Cephalorhynchus heavisidii) is a small dolphin that is found off the coast of Namibia and the west coast of South Africa. Despite its relatively rare status, the Heaviside's dolphin is the more commonly sighted cetaceans off the coast of Namibia.

Length 5.25-5.75 ft (1.6-1.7 m)
Weight 90-165 lb(40-75 kg)

There is some debate over the correct naming of this species. Though its scientific name is heavisidii, a Captain "Haviside" may have been the first person to bring a specimen back to England from Namibia. While the species may have been originally named for Haviside, it was mispelt to the name of a prominent surgeon, Captain Heaviside who was well known for collecting cetaceans and other animals. less ↑

The Peale's Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis) is a small dolphin found in the waters around Tierra del Fuego at the foot of South America. This dolphin prefers shallow waters and is often associated with kelp forests. The Dusky Dolphin is also found in some parts of the Peale's Dolphin's range and the two species can be difficult to tell apart in the field.

Length 6.5-7.25 ft (2-2.2 m)
Weight around 225 lb (115 kg) less ↑

The Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is a species of dolphin.There are now believed to be two species, the Long-beaked Common Dolphin (D. capensis), and the Short-beaked Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). The Short beaked variety is more common and distinguishing the two can be difficult in the field. Common dolphins occurre throughout warm-temperate and tropical oceans, with the possible exception of the Indian Ocean. There are more Short-beaked Common Dolphins than any other dolphin species in the warm-temperate portions of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is also found in the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas.

Length 5.75-8 ft (1.7-2.4 m)
Weight 155-245 lb (70-110 kg) less ↑

The Southern right whale dolphin (Lissodelphis peronii) is a small and slender species of dolphin found in cool waters of the southern hemisphere. Its slender, dorsal fin-less shape and distinct color pattern make this dolphin easily recognizable. It is not very well known in part due to its range in remote areas of the southern hemisphere.

Length 6-9.5 ft (1.8-2.9 m)
Weight 130-220 lb (60-100 kg) less ↑

The Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) a small animal found in coastal areas of the northern hemisphere. This porpoise often ventures up rivers and has been seen hundreds of miles from the sea. This species may be shy and avoid vessels but can often be sighted from the shore in certain areas.

Length 4.75-6.25 ft (1.4-1.9 m)
Weight 125-145 lb (55-65 kg) less ↑

Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) is an ocean dolphin. Risso's Dolphins are found on continental shelf areas throughout the world. Their greyish white scared bodies are instantly recognizable; animals lighten with age as they acquire more scars. Risso's dolphins feed exclusively on squid, often diving very deep at dawn and dusk as their prey migrates vertically.

Length 8.5-12.5 ft (2.6-3.8 m)
Weight 660-1,100 lb (300-500 kg) less ↑

The Pilot Whales are two species, the Short-Finned Pilot Whale and the Long-Finned Pilot Whale, which make up the genus, Globicephala, part of the Dolphin family. The two species are not easily distinguishable at sea however of the two, the long-finned tends to prefer colder waters, and the short-finned pilot whale is found in warmer tropical and subtropical waters. They feed on squid and fish such as mackerel, diving to very deep depths in seach of their prey.

Length 12-21 ft (3.6-6.4 m)
Weight 2,000-8,000 lb (900-3.600 kg)

Pilot whales are highly social and live is large social groups. They use complicated calls made up of clicks and whistles to communicate. Pilot whales are the most common species to strand themselves. It is thought that the strong social bonds contribute the whole pods stranding themselves. less ↑

The Killer Whale or Orca (Orcinus orca), or less commonly, Blackfish, is the largest species of the dolphin family. These animals are referred to as whales but they are in fact part of the dolphin family. Instantly recognizable, Orcas are found in all oceans from Arctic and Antarctic cold water to the warm waters of the Tropics.

Length 18-32 ft (505-9.8 m)
Weight 5,200-18,000 lb (2,300-8,000 kg)

Orcas live is strong family groups which are lead by a mature female. Both male and female offspring remain with their maternal family group. Killer Whales are extremely intelligent and have been shown to be able to learn and teach new behaviors, usually new hunting techniques.

Different groups of killer whales are often referenced to have a particular culture based on their behaviors and food. The most well know are the resident fishing-eating whales and the transient mammal-eating whales of the northeast Pacific. The resident whales focus on hunting fish, particularly salmon, in a relatively fixed area and use complex vocalizations made of up clicks and whistles. In contrast the transient whales hunt mammals, seals and other small whales and dolphins. These whales live in smaller pods which travel more widely in the search for food and use much quieter vocalizations for communication. These examples are some of the best studied cultures however other cultures exist in other regions. Scientists believe that several subspecies of Killer Whale may exist, especially around Antarctica, as it is thought that breeding does not cross these cultural lines. less ↑