Hector's dolphin

Hector's dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) is one of six species in the genus Cephalorhynchus and the only cetacean endemic to New Zealand, comprising the South Island form and the critically endangered Maui dolphin subspecies. It is the smallest dolphin species, with mature adults measuring 1.2 to 1.6 meters and weighing 40 to 60 kilograms, and is marked by a rounded dorsal fin, gray, white and black coloring, a stocky body, a black facial mask and a thin black line running from the head to the blowhole, with a white throat and belly. It favors shallow coastal waters around the South Island, generally out to about 100 meters deep though most sightings are in shallower water, living in small groups and feeding as a generalist on prey mostly under 10 centimeters, including red cod, flatfish, squid and other benthic animals. It is listed as Endangered, with the Maui subspecies down to about 48 individuals as of 2023.