A previously unknown dolphin has been discovered by Australian scientists in their nations southern waters. Until now it was believed that there were just two species of bottlenose dolphins -- the common bottlenose, generally found in offshore waters, and the more-coastal Indo-Pacific species. However, genetic samples recently collected from coastal dolphins revealed unexpected results -- DNA testing of ~200 mammals off Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania for a population study highlighted that they were not coastal bottlenose dolphins at all.

The researchers suspect that the new species, and the previously known coastal bottlenose dolphins, probably separated “quite recently … in the past few million years”. The DNA tests suggested the new species was probably more closely related to the Fraser’s dolphin, from the deep waters of the Pacific. They believe the limited range of the new species meant it deserved special protection, since their coastal habitat will result in these dolphins having a higher vulnerability to threats such as pollution, overfishing and entanglement in nets.

Source: Cryptomundo » New Dolphin Discovered

Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera.

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Dolphins vary in size from 4 ft and 90 lb (Maui's Dolphin), up to 30 ft and 10 tons (the Orca or Killer Whale). They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid

Cool! Really love Dolphin. Especially watching their shows and doing some exhibition. I reminisce those one of my favorite vacation ever. It's when i ride at the back of Dolphin. Dolphin are so nice and adorable. They are one of the smartest animal.

Well the dolphins have lots of different types and the groups where they can live but at the same time some of the types are hidden or totally destroyed by the nature like dinosaur. So if new type of fishes discovered then it is really a good news for the people.

Different types of dolphins are available around th globe.But Bottle nose is common one,But still there are 45 types of dolphin.Dolphins can be divided into two groups marine dolphins and river dolphins.Marine water is like salt water and river water is normal.

Well I was surprised after hearing this news. Because before I have never heared this that Dolphin found in Australia. It shows that Australia now has an endemic species living in its waters and it's a higher conservation priority now. As I think that they look alike but they are genetically quite different.

I was surprised when I heard this news. Different type of Dolphin in Ocean. A dolphin species has been found in Tasmanian waters for the first time. I think that they look alike but they are genetically quite different. I must remember that they are always one of my favorite holiday. And when I turn behind the Dolphin. Dolphin is so beautiful and wonderful. They are the best animals. It's almost forty species of dolphin five genera pm.

This post was last modified: 06-15-2010 07:10 AM by jemsbowen.

A team of scientists has identified a new dolphin species which are the first for at least 30 years at off north Australia. The mammals named snubfin dolphins were initially thought to be members of the Irrawaddy species, also found in Australian waters.

Until now it had been thought the world had just two species of bottlenose dolphins. The common bottlenose, generally at home in offshore waters, and the more coastal Indo-Pacific species, are both found near Australia.