Northern Right Whale Dolphin
(Lissodelphis borealis)Identification

Size
- to a maximum of 3 m
Colour
- mostly black, with white on the belly and the tip of the beak
Dorsal fin
- no dorsal fin (the most distinctive feature of this dolphin)
Blow
- small and bushy
Surface behaviour
- when moving quickly, porpoising is very common, can reach speeds of 30km/hr
- when moving slowly, usually only expose head and create little surface disturbance
- shy, tend to avoid boats (unless travelling with other dolphin species)
Group size / social behaviour
- extremely social, usually in large groups of 200 – 2000 animals (average in BC is 40)
- can be seen associating with Pacific white-sided dolphins
Other characteristics
- has relatively small pectoral fins that are held very close to the body, giving the appearance that it has no fins at all.
- body is very sleek and streamlined
Can be confused with
- due to its lack of dorsal fin and black coloration, the northern right whale dolphin should not be confused with any other species.


C. McMillan
