Chinese white dolphin, also known as humpback dolphin, belongs to the group of cetaceans.
There are two subspecies of Chinese white dolphin that can be found in the warm waters of Indian and Pacific Ocean.
Chinese white dolphins usually live on a depth of 66 feet, near the coral reefs, in the lagoons, estuaries and large river mouth.
Number of remaining Chinese white dolphins in the wild does not exceed 1700 animals due to pollution of the water, excessive hunting (because of their meat), increased boat traffic and diseases.
Chinese white dolphins are listed as near threatened (they may become endangered in the near future).
Chinese white dolphin can reach 6 to 13 inches in length and 330 to 510 pounds of weight.
Chinese white dolphins are black at birth. Young animals are grey with pink speckles. Adults are white with pinkish tint.
Chinese white dolphin has pink color of the skin thanks to excessively developed blood vessels.
Pink color of the skin is more pronounced in colder waters because more blood circulates through the blood vessels to warm the body and ensure stable body temperature.
Chinese white dolphin has slender, elongated beak and rounded body with triangular-shaped tail. Hump on dorsal side of the body represents dorsal fin.
Chinese white dolphin has large eyes and excellent eyesight both in the water and in the air.
Chinese white dolphin is diurnal animal (active during the day).
Chinese white dolphin is a carnivore (meat-eater). Its diet is based on small and medium sized fish that can be swallowed in one piece.
Amount of fish that is consumed on a daily basis equals 8% of Chinese white dolphin weight.
Natural predators of Chinese white dolphins are orcas and large sharks.
Chinese white dolphin lives in small groups composed of 3 to 4 animals. They communicate via clicks, screams and whistles.
Chinese white dolphins are playful creatures that often leap out of the water.
Chinese white dolphin can spend 2 to 8 minutes under the water. Young animals have smaller lung capacity and they require fresh air every 1 to 3 minutes.
Mating season of Chinese white dolphin takes place from the end of the summer to autumn. During the courtship, dolphins swim together and touch each other.
Pregnancy in females lasts 11 months and ends with one baby (calf). Baby spends first three years of its life with its mother. During that period, it learns basic survival skills.
Females reach maturity at the age of 10 years, males three years later, at the age of 13 years.
Females mate every three years, when they are sure that their offspring are able to fend for themselves. Chinese white dolphin can survive up to 40 years in the wild.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
