Melanistic southern right‐whale dolphins (Lissodelphis peronii) off Kaikoura, New Zealand, with records of other anomalously all‐black cetaceans

Abstract

Reports of anomalously pigmented cetaceans, including melanistic (all‐black) individuals are infrequent. We observed four melanistic southern right‐whale dolphins (Lissodelphis peronii) including a calf, off Kaikoura (42°34'S, 173°50'E), New Zealand. We also compiled records of melanistic individuals from five other species of cetaceans. The ecological context of melanistic pigmentation of cetaceans is not well understood; however, it may increase heat absorption, affect ability to capture prey, impair visual/social communication, and/or increase conspicuousness to predators.

Keywords:

• melanism
• melanistic
• anomalous pigmentation
• southern right‐whale dolphin
• Lissodelphis peronii
• cetacean
• New Zealand