The total population of Hectors dolphins around the South Island was estimated at 7240 individuals in 2004, with 5388 found on the west coast, mostly concentrated between 4130S and 4430S. The Maui's dolphin (North Island Hector's dolphin) is a small, critically endangered species of dolphin found only in the coastal waters of New Zealand, mainly around the North Island They grow up to 1.5m, weigh between 40-60kg and are often identified by their unique rounded dorsal fin. The dolphins were found to feed throughout the water column, with 29 prey taxa identified in total. Add introductory text here 1 Appearance 2 Behavior 2.1 Diet 2.2 Lifespan 3 Gallery 4 Facts Needs Information Needs Information Needs Information Needs Information Needs Information Bring your camera and sense of adventure as you cruise aboard Akaroas largest, most spacious and stable catamaran and enjoy free tea and coffee. July 2020 May 2020 April 2020 They have a clear preference for shallower waters. PHYSICAL FEATURES: Hector's Dolphins have very recognizable black facial markings, a dorsal fin that is shaped almost like a semi circle, a bit like Mickey Mouse's ears, and have short, stocky bodies.The colors of the dolphin are grey, black, and white. Red cod (Pseudophycis bachus), ahuru Mui dolphin feed on a variety of species of fish, such as red cod, huru, and sole. 0 comments. Hector's dolphin diet: The species, sizes and relative importance of prey eaten by Cephalorhynchus hectori, investigated using stomach content analysis Marine Mammal Science, 2012 Elisabeth Slooten A newborn dolphin is just 76cm/2 4 (8kg/17lb), which is incredibly small for a marine mammal. Hector's dolphin diet: The species, sizes and relative importance of prey eaten by Cephalorhynchus hectori, investigated using stomach content analysis E. Miller , C. Lalas , Steve Dawson , Diet and foraging. For habitat, it prefers shallow coastal waters with depths less than 100 meters. Hector's dolphins have a varied diet that includes cephalopods, crustaceans, and small fish species. Dr. Weirs research found that Maui and Hectors dolphins have high energy needs, must forage and feed almost all the time in order to produce healthy calves and be resilient to disease. Difference between Mui dolphin and Hectors dolphin The Hectors dolphin was almost extinct when The Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary was established in 1988, to reduce set-net deaths of Hectors dolphins in the Canterbury area. The best habitat in Kaikura is outside river mouths where the water is extra murky. Hectors dolphins are not too fussy about what they eat, and hunt more to the size of the prey rather than actual species. However, recent population research on Hector's dolphins observed them out to 20 nautical miles. More specifically, both appear only in the waters around New Zealand. Mui dolphins are unique. 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