16 Dolphin Species in Indonesian Waters and Their Uniqueness

We will learn about dolphin species in Indonesian waters that are still not widely known by some people. Dolphins are part of the mammals in the ocean that have different intelligence from other marine animals.

Dolphins in Indonesia do attract a lot of attention. You’ll find plenty of Locations that offer an immersive experience to see first-hand up close. Not only that, a number of dolphin conservation areas will invite you to interact directly.

As one of the intelligent species, this animal has a unique way of interacting with humans. Their distinctive behavior will always attract some nature lovers or some researchers to feel its appeal.

Dolphin intelligence is not limited to communication alone. They are also known to be really adaptable in a new environment. In some instances, dolphins have reportedly been able to use tools in order to find food.

On the dolphin’s nose, you will find sea sponge that is useful for self-protection when looking for food on the rocky seabed.

Read More: Bali Swim with Dolphins: #1 Exciting Marine Tourism

16 Dolphin Species in Indonesian Waters

Dolphin Species in Indonesian have a very high diversity because their geographical place is in the tropics with a rich marine ecosystem. Various Dolphin Species can be found in shallow waters, the open sea, to brackish waters and rivers. The existence of these marine mammals is a sign of the health of the ocean as well as the magnetic power of Indonesian marine tourism.

1. Rough Toothed Dolphin

Slender rough-toothed dolphins have a dark gray to blackish color. Its unique characteristics are in the shape of the teeth that are uneven and look rough when you pay close attention. This species is often found in deep waters and is part of the natural habitat of dolphin species in Indonesian. Rough-toothed dolphins usually live in small groups and actively swim fast. They are known to be agile fish and squid hunters.

2. Fraser Dolphins

Fraser dolphins are relatively stocky in stature with a dark stripe scheme next to their body. This species often appears in large groups that can reach several hundred individuals. In Indonesian waters, Fraser’s dolphins are often seen in the open sea as part of dolphins in Indonesian waters that live in the deep sea. They are known to be really dynamic and often swim at high speeds. Its jumping activity over the sea is quite rare compared to other species.

3. Bottlenose Dolphin

The bottlenose dolphin is among one of the most identifiable dolphin species in Indonesian. The bottle-like form of the muzzle makes it easy to acknowledge. This species is often found in seaside waters, bays and about several small islands. Bottlenose dolphins are known to be very smart and have solid social habits. They often interact with humans and tourist boats.

4. Striped Nose Dolphin

Striped Nose Dolphin have prominent black stripes that extend from the eyes to the hind limbs. This scheme is distinctive feature that compares it from other types of dolphins. In Indonesia, this species usually occupies the high seas as part of the Indonesian sea dolphin. Striped-nosed dolphins are known to be fast and active swimmers. They often move in large groups when hunting.

5. Long-Snouted Dolphin

Long-snouted dolphin have a more pointed and longer snout than other types. This species is popular because it likes to soar while circling in the air. In Indonesian waters, long-snouted dolphins are commonly found and have become icon of dolphin tour in Indonesia. They are often seen in the morning over the sea. His acrobatic behavior has made him a favorite of tourists.

6. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin has curved back form with small fins. This species is often found in Indonesia’s seaside waters, consisting of close to river mouths. Its body color differs from grey to grayish-white. These dolphins are vital part of Indonesia’s dolphin variety. Seaside habitats make them vulnerable to human activities.

7. Pesut

Pesut is very rare and protected species of freshwater dolphin. In Indonesia, pesut is best known for living in the Mahakam River, East Kalimantan. Pesut has round head without long muzzle like sea dolphin. The existence of pesut makes it unique in the details of dolphin species in Indonesian. Its population is declining due to pollution and human activities.

8. Fake Killer Whale

Fake Killer Whale are still part of the dolphin family despite their considerable size. Its body is long with a dark black color and a twisted dorsal fin. This species lives in groups and has strong social bonds. In Indonesian waters, they are usually found in the deep sea as part of Indonesian marine mammals. False killer whales are known to hunt large fish and squid.

9. Dwarf Killer Whale

Dwarf killer whale have smaller body size than false killer whales. The color of the body is dark with rounded head shape. This species of dolphin is one of the few species to be seen in Indonesian waters. They usually live in tropical waters and deep seas as habitat for whales and dolphins in Indonesia. Information about his attitude is still quite limited.

10. Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin

The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin has curved back shape with small fins. This species is often found in Indonesia’s coastal waters, including near river mouths. Its body color varies from gray to grayish-white. These dolphins are important part of Indonesia’s dolphin diversity. Coastal habitats make them vulnerable to human activities.

11. Spinner dolphins

Spinner dolphins are famous for their swirling performances as they jump into the air. This species is often seen in Indonesian waters in the morning. They live in large groups and are really active on the sea. Spinner dolphins are often found in the dolphin watching area of Indonesia. Its antique behavior has become a special magnet for marine tourism.

12. Spotted dolphins

Spotted dolphins have pattern of spots on their bodies that get brighter with age. This species of dolphin occupies Indonesia’s warm waters, either in the open sea or on the coast. They are known to live in large groups and actively hunt together. Spotted dolphins are important part of Indonesian Dolphin. His speed and agility are truly striking.

13. Risso Dolphin

The Risso dolphin is large in stature and has a blunt head without a long snout. His skin is often covered with the remnants of natural injuries due to interactions with others. This species lives in the deep waters of Indonesia. Its presence has increased the list of Indonesian dolphin species in Indonesian. Its core diet is squid and other deep-sea animals.

14. Electra Whale

The Electra Whale or melon-headed whale has a rounded head with a unique shape. The color of the body is dark with clear lines on the face. This species often moves in large groups in Indonesian waters. They prefer the deep sea as part of the spread of dolphin species in Indonesian. The activity usually occurs at night when hunting.

15. Killer Whale

Killer whales or orcas are predators of shoots in marine ecosystems. Its body is large with contrasting black and white schemes. In Indonesian waters, orcas are rarely seen but are registered in a number of areas. The presence strengthens Indonesia’s position as a habitat for whales and dolphins in Indonesia. They have high intelligence and complex hunting strategies.

16. Short-finned Pilot Whale

Short-finned Pilot Whale have a large head and a body of dark color. This species of dolphin lives in groups with a strong social structure. In Indonesian waters, shortfin pilot whales are usually found in the deep sea. They are part of the list of Dolphin species in Indonesian that are rarely encountered. The main food is squid and deep-sea fish.