World's Ugliest Dolphin -- Snub Fin Dolphin

Recently the news has been reporting on the "World's Ugliest Dolphin" or the "Snub Fin Dolphin".

According to NECN.com (2008) this is a new species discovered about 3 years ago. This is important because it is the only new species to be discovered in 50 years.

Not much is known about this species except that it is unique to Australian waters, and it it has a funny name. Why? Well, it doesn't look like your traditional bottlenose dolphin.

Instead its head looks more like a beluga whale.

But it is definitely the same color as many dolphins a beautiful shade of grey. I think it just looks very different than what most people think of when imagining a dolphin, and therefore it has got its negative label.

Research is continuing on this mammal to learn more about its unique characteristics.

This is a slow process, as it is not familiar with humans, and tends to shy away unlike some dolphin species that are curious or even playful with people.

Want to see pictures? Here is a link to the news website that has some recent video footage.

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