Fraser's dolphins are stocky-looking, have a very short beak, and very small flippers and flukes. The Fraser's dolphin's most distinctive feature is a wide, prominent black band running from the face to the anus. There is also a flipper stripe starting at the middle of the lower jaw. Fraser's dolphins probably get at least as large as 2.8 m (9 ft) with weights over 210 kg (460 lb). Little is known about this species. Fraser's dolphins are often sighted mixed with other species, such as melon-headed whales, Risso's dolphins, and spinner dolphins. When these dolphins surface, they are very splashy. Fraser's dolphins eat mid-water fish, squid and crustaceans. Ship-based surveys in the Gulf led to sightings of two large herds (>100 individuals) of Fraser's dolphins (previously known to the Gulf from only a mass stranding in the Florida Keys), as well as information previously uncollected on sounds produced by these animals.

Description: Fraser's Dolphin is robust and has small pointed flippers and dorsal fin. The cape is dark blue-grey or grey-brown in color. The beak is short, dark on the upper jaw and around the lips. The chin area, throat and belly are creamy white. Flippers are dark, and a series of grey-black lines connect the flippers to the beak. A grey-cream line stretches from melon to the flanks, separating the dorsal cape from a dark grey to black lateral stripe that extends backward from the face. Adults measure between 2m and 2.65m in length. Large animals can weigh around 200kg.

Recognition at sea: Fraser's Dolphins are most likely to be confused with Common Dolphins and Striped Dolphins, both of which have longer beaks and larger flippers and dorsal.

Habitat: Fraser's Dolphins prefer deep offshore waters in tropical and warm temperate areas.

Food & Feeding: Fraser's Dolphins take a wide variety of fish, squid and crustaceans. It is thought they hunt at night.

Behavior: This species is normally found in herds of at least one hundred, often socializing with other cetaceans. Although active at the surface, they do not appear playful. Little else is known.

Longevity: Unknown.

Estimated Current Population: Unknown.