Common Dolphin
Common Name:Common dolphin
Latin Name:Delphinus delphis (short-beaked) Delphinus capensis (long-beaked)
Other Names:Saddleback dolphin, White-bellied porpoise, Criss-cross dolphin, Hourglass dolphin, Cape dolphin
Primary Classification:Odontocete (Toothed whale, dolphin or porpoise)
Sub Classification:Delphinidae
Description:
Common dolphins are easily recognised by the hourglass pattern and tan or yellowish patch on each side, although they can sometimes be confused with striped dolphins. They have a dark cape ranging from black to brown with a v-shape under the dorsal fin. They also have a white underside with occasional yellow streaks and a white tail stock. Their flukes are dark on both sides, and their dorsal fins range from curved to triangular and can be black, greyish white or somewhere in-between. They vary so much that people have suggested there are a number of different species. Only two distinct forms are recognised; the long-beaked and short-beaked. There are only subtle differences between the sexes and males and females are difficult to tell apart.
Field ID:
Streamlined body, long slender beak, single blowhole, pointed flippers, hourglass pattern on sides, dark flippers, tail and fin, dark cape (area of the back around the dorsal fin), fast active swimmer.
Length (metres):
When they are born, common dolphins are about 80cm long (32in). They grow to between 1.7 and 2.4 metres (5ft 9in - 8ft) in length.
Weight:
We do not know how much common dolphins weigh when they are born, but adults are between 70 and 110 kg (155 - 245lb).
Diet:
Fish, squid
Behaviour:
Common dolphins are often found in large, socially active groups. Their school size depends upon the time of day and season. When they are frightened, they bunch tightly together. They are fast swimmers and enjoy acrobatics - lobtailing, flipper slaps and breaching. They are highly vocal and can be heard above the surface. They do short dives of 10 seconds to 2 minutes, although dives of 8 minutes have been recorded. They may associate with other dolphins at feeding grounds.