Nope. A Sousa sp., surely? It's a (pink) [formerly Indo-Pacific] humpback. My money is on Pacific humpback but I've not got my head round their more recent taxonomy yet.
it seems that authorities are in dispute about splits within Sousa. For myself I'll stick with IndoPacific humpback rather than splitting it, but if one were to split them then this would surely be the Pacific humpback as this establishment's animals are likely to have been obtained within the range of that species.
it seems that authorities are in dispute about splits within Sousa. For myself I'll stick with IndoPacific humpback rather than splitting it, but if one were to split them then this would surely be the Pacific humpback as this establishment's animals are likely to have been obtained within the range of that species.
It does indeed have a missing chunk - another injury said to be sustained prior to their acquisition.
Rapid research!
My impression was that the split was given varying levels of credibility but generally seems to be thought of as legitimate. I'm not aware of the differing morphological criteria though.
Rapid research!
My impression was that the split was given varying levels of credibility but generally seems to be thought of as legitimate. I'm not aware of the differing morphological criteria though.
The trend in zoology nowadays is of course for splitting everything they can. I think the differences between the species formerly within Indopacific humpback are based on measurements and so it can equally validly be argued that the species is simply variable across its range.
There may be genetic studies to support the split; I don't know. So for now I'm sticking with a non-split Indopacific humpback.
The trend in zoology nowadays is of course for splitting everything they can. I think the differences between the species formerly within Indopacific humpback are based on measurements and so it can equally validly be argued that the species is simply variable across its range.
There may be genetic studies to support the split; I don't know. So for now I'm sticking with a non-split Indopacific humpback.
Maybe. Another view would be that if Thais came away with the idea that dolphins are fascinating, charismatic animals then a cetacean exhibit done well (and I have no idea whether this is) is something worth doing. If garish plastic balls provide the animal with some enrichment, then what's the harm?
It's all a matter of opinion. Perhaps devilfish can cast more light on the issue.
