#grampus griseus

A Risso’s dolphin caught up in fishing line. Dolphin numbers in the Indian Ocean may have dropped by more than 80% in recent decades, with an estimated 4 million small cetaceans caught as “by-catch” in commercial tuna fishing nets since 1950, according to a study

Photograph: Andrew Sutton/Central Studio

(viaThe week in wildlife – in pictures | Environment | The Guardian)

A posse of proper ‘phins
And another set of illustrations from last year. This time the “proper” dolphins - not too small, a regular dorsal fin, a good beak. Only the Risso’s is a bit out of line with their cute potheads but otherwise he was all alone. I had lots of fun with all of these. Spinners and Pantropcal spotted dolphin are a delight to draw always. This Pantropical spotted is from the Indian ocean, which tend to have fine black spots and very few white spots. The rough-toothed dolphin gave me some trouble - they’ve such odd proportions they’re hard to really nail down. I still don’t think he fully looks right, but that’s for a different illustration.

The common dolphins on top are very interesting to me: a good example of the diversity found within the single species of Delphinus delphis. Both are forms living around Southern Africa. The “longer beaked” form is larger, more elegant, and has gorgeous clear markings. They live off the Southeast coast, relatively close to shore. The “shorter beaked” form lives more to the west, in offshore waters. They are stouter and often with slightly vaguer markings. One day I’d love to see a study done on all the African forms of short-beaked common dolphins, they are so fascinating. If you move further up the west coast, around Angola, you’ll find a really strange form which is super dark and oddly proportioned. Wonder what’s up with those.

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is also an oddball, and a first for me. Love their cute faces and unique body shape. Not just the hump-back but also that strongly keeled peduncle. I hope you’ll enjoy them too!