Peale’s dolphin (sometimes known as the black-chinned dolphin) is a small species that is endemic to the coastal waters off the southern tip of South America. They can be seen on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and they are frequently spotted around the Falkland Islands.

Growing to just under 2.1m (7ft) long and 113kg (250lb) in weight, Peale’s dolphins have a largely black back with an obvious off-white stripe running down each side. The belly is white, and the face and chin are dark gray. They have a distinctive white patch just behind each flipper.

Peale’s dolphins seem to prefer fast-flowing water like channel entrances and narrows, as well as sheltered bays close to shore. They hunt communally and feed in and around kelp beds as well as in open water. They have been observed using group hunting techniques like encircling. Their diet seems to consist mainly of fish, as well as octopus, squid, and shrimps. They gather in small groups of between 5 and 20 individuals, but sometimes they can be seen in groups of 100 or more.

It’s unknown how many Peale’s dolphins there are, but recent estimates state there could be as few as 21,000 individuals in the south Atlantic area of their range. In the 1970s and 1980s, they were hunted by Chilean fishermen and used as crab bait, with thousands being killed each year. Although this practice has decreased, it’s still not illegal. Some concern has been expressed as to the stability of the population of Peale’s dolphin and more research is needed into the status of this unique species.