The dolphins, named Tursiops australis, have a combined population of about 150 and were originally thought to be one of the two existing bottlenose dolphin species.



Monash University PhD researcher Kate CharltonRobb discovered they were unique by comparing skulls, DNA and physical traits with specimens dating back to the early 1900s.



The findings, published in the latest PLoS ONE journal, show that the dolphins of the southern Australian coast differ greatly from other dolphin species.



"This is an incredibly fascinating discovery as there have only been three new dolphin species formally ugg bailey button boots described and recognised since the late 1800s," Ms CharltonRobb said.



"What makes this even more exciting is this dolphin species has been living right under our noses, with only two known resident populations living in Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria."