Hourglass Dolphin

The hourglass dolphin is a small patterned dolphin of Antarctic and Subantarctic seas. It occurs in the southernmost part of New Zealand’s marine region. Black flanks are broken by white patches forming an hourglass shape. Adults are roughly 1.6–1.9 metres long.

It inhabits cold deep oceanic water near the Antarctic Convergence. It is most likely south of New Zealand’s Subantarctic islands. Small groups readily bow-ride beside ships. They eat small fish, squid and crustaceans.

The species is Data Deficient nationally. Sparse observations prevent a confident local assessment. Expedition ships south of Campbell or Auckland islands may encounter it. No mainland location is reliable.