Mammals Active day and night

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin

Sousa chinensis

iNaturalist Wikipedia

Meet the majestic "Chinese White Dolphin," a rare pink-hued wonder that navigates the bustling estuaries and coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length of 2 to 3.5 meters (6.6 to 11.5 feet); Weight ranges from 150 to 230 kg (330 to 500 lbs).

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Colors

Juveniles are dark gray; adults in the eastern range are famously white or bright pink, while western populations may stay gray with spots.

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Key Features

Distinctive pink or white coloration in mature adults
Elongated, slender rostrum (beak)
Low, thick dorsal hump topped by a small fin
Small, beady eyes and a rounded melon.

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active day and night

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Peak hours 7-11 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily piscivorous, focusing on estuarine and demersal fish such as mullets, croakers, and groupers found near the seafloor.

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Habitat Shallow coastal waters, river deltas, and mangrove channels, usually in depths less than 20 meters.

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Where Does the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Live?

These dolphins are primarily found along the coastal fringes of the Asian continent, ranging from the eastern shores of India and the Bay of Bengal through Southeast Asia. Their most famous populations reside in the Pearl River Delta near Hong Kong and the coastal waters of Taiwan and Thailand. They are strictly a coastal species, never venturing into the deep open ocean, making them a quintessential resident of the Indo-Pacific continental shelf.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

9 Countries

1.2M km² Range

Vulnerable Conservation

CN China Taiwan TH Thailand IN India MY Malaysia Vietnam ID Indonesia Singapore Bangladesh

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins are social creatures that typically live in small, fluid groups of 3 to 10 members. Unlike many other dolphin species, they are not known for high-energy acrobatics like bow-riding or frequent jumping; instead, they move with a steady, deliberate pace. They are masters of the estuary, often seen navigating the murky waters where rivers meet the sea, using high-frequency echolocation to find their way and hunt.

These dolphins exhibit a fascinating "spy-hopping" behavior, where they lift their heads vertically out of the water to observe their surroundings above the surface. While generally shy around large vessels, they are known to congregate near artisanal fishing boats in some regions, occasionally snatching fish from nets. Their social lives involve complex vocalizations and physical contact, which helps maintain bonds within their pods.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin on a camera requires focusing on "pinch points" like narrow estuary mouths or the ends of long piers. These dolphins follow the tides; they usually move into shallower areas during the incoming tide to hunt. Position your camera at an elevated angle—ideally 10 to 20 feet above the water—to look down through the surface. This helps the AI identification software distinguish the dolphin’s dorsal hump from wave patterns and reduces the glare from the sun.

Use a fast trigger speed and burst mode, as these dolphins only surface for a few seconds at a time to breathe. A shutter speed of 1/1000 or higher is recommended to freeze the action and capture the detail of their unique pink skin. Because they are sensitive to boat traffic, trail cameras mounted on quiet, stationary structures like private docks or coastal observation towers yield much better "natural behavior" footage than cameras on moving vessels.

Saltwater environment is the biggest challenge for equipment. Use a high-quality UV or polarizing filter to protect the lens and cut through water reflections, which is crucial for seeing the dolphin's body underwater. Ensure your housing is rated for marine environments to prevent salt-air corrosion. If your camera allows for scheduled recording, set it to trigger during the two hours before and after high tide, when dolphin activity in coastal areas peaks.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin.

Australian Humpback Dolphin

Found exclusively around northern Australia and New Guinea; has a smaller dorsal fin and a more 'tri-colored' gray pattern.

Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin

Lacks the dorsal hump and has a more robust, athletic build with a darker gray back and spotted belly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are active day and night, but sightings peak during the morning and late afternoon. Their activity is more closely tied to tidal cycles than sunlight; they are most frequently seen in estuaries during the rising tide when prey fish move shoreward.

You cannot lure these dolphins with food, as they are wild marine mammals. Instead, mount your camera near natural features that attract fish, such as mangrove edges, rocky outcrops, or river mouths. Calm, clear mornings with low wind provide the best visibility.

They specialize in estuarine fish species. Their favorites include mullet, croakers, and various species of sea perch. They use echolocation to find these fish in the often-murky waters of river deltas.

Surprisingly, yes. They are strictly coastal and often live very close to major urban centers like Hong Kong and Singapore. However, they require clean estuarine water and are highly sensitive to coastal development and pollution.

Look for the hump: the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin has a visible thickening or 'hump' at the base of its dorsal fin. In the eastern part of their range, the distinctive pink or white color of adults is a dead giveaway, whereas Bottlenose Dolphins remain gray.

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