A new study by the University of Auckland has uncovered the astonishing underwater choreography of the world’s smallest marine dolphin, but it may also get them tangled up in fishing gear. Until the 2025 study published in Conservation Letters, little was known about the full range of the dances these dolphins perform beneath the waves.

Researchers shed light on their hidden underwater world, revealing previously unknown acrobatic manoeuvres, deep dives, and feeding strategies. These stunning behaviours highlight the conservation challenges these endangered dolphins face as their population hovers around 15,000.