Peale's Dolphin - Taxonomy

Taxonomy

Though it is traditionally placed in the genus Lagenorhynchus, recent molecular analyses indicate that Peale's Dolphin is actually more closely related to the dolphins of the genus Cephalorhynchus. If true, this would mean that this species must either be transferred to Cephalorhynchus or be given a new genus of their own. An alternate genus that has been proposed for this species (as well as the Pacific White-sided Dolphin and Dusky Dolphin is Sagmatias. There is some behavioral and morphological to support moving Peal's Dolphin to Cephalorhynchus. According to Schevill & Watkins (1971), Peale's Dolphin and the Cephalorhynchus species are the only dolphins that do not whistle. Peale's Dolphin also shares with several Cephalorhynchus species the possession of a distinct white "armpit" marking behind the pectoral fin.