Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis)

French: Dauphin À Bosse De L'Indo-pacifique
Spanish: Bufeo Asiático, Delfín Blanco De China
GenusSousa (1)
SizeMale length: up to 3.2 m (2)
Female length: up to 2.4 m (2)
Weight150 - 200 kg (2)
Top facts


The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin has a typically streamlined body and a long slender beak (5). Populations differ in both shape and colour, with those in the west of the range possessing a 'double-step' dorsal fin with a fatty hump upon which the dorsal fin sits (6). Although usually dark grey on their back and lighter underneath, white and pink variations are also known; the most famous of these are the 'pink dolphins' of Hong Kong bay (2). The humpback dolphin has an unusual diving posture, first lifting its beak out of the water and arching its back, and then pausing before dipping below the surface or flipping its tail to dive (2). Given the wide morphological differences, there is some disagreement as to whether the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin does in fact represent four different species: Sousa plumbea, Sousa lentiginosa, Sousa chinensis and Sousaborneensis respectively (5).

Found along the coasts of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans (6), from southern China and north Australia in the east, to South Africa in the west.

Inhabits coastal tropical and subtropical waters, preferring areas that are less than 20 metres deep (6).


Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are at risk from factors that also threaten all other cetaceans, such as entanglement in fishing nets, pollution and the depletion of fish stocks worldwide (6). These coastal dolphins are also threatened by boat traffic, a factor that is especially pertinent in Hong Kong where this dolphin's habitat is also the busiest harbour in the world. In South Africa, shark nets may be an important cause of mortality but more data on this potential threat is required (8).

Information on population densities and distributions are urgently needed before an effective conservation plan can be put into action.

To help conserve dolphins visit:

Authenticated (20/8/02) by Shanan Atkins. Richards Bay Humpback Dolphins.

  1. IUCN Red List (November, 2008)
  3. CITES (July, 2002)
  4. Animal Diversity Web (July, 2002)$narrative.html
  5. Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (July, 2002)
  6. Atkins, S. (2002) Pers. comm.
  7. Richards Bay Humpback Dolphins (July, 2002)