Melanistic southern right‐whale dolphins ( <i>Lissodelphis peronii</i> ) off Kaikoura, New Zealand, with records of other anomalously all‐black cetaceans

Abstract Reports of anomalously pigmented cetaceans, including melanistic (all‐black) individuals are infrequent. We observed four melanistic southern right‐whale dolphins ( Lissodelphis peronii ) including a calf, off Kaikoura (42°34'S, 173°50'E), New Zealand. We also compiled records of melanistic individuals from five other species of cetaceans. The ecological context of melanistic pigmentation of cetaceans is not well understood; however, it may increase heat absorption, affect ability to capture prey, impair visual/social communication, and/or increase conspicuousness to predators.