Mammal

Pacific White-sided Dolphin

Lagenorhynchus obliquidens

Also known as Hookfin Porpoise, Pacific White-sided Porpoise, Lags

Pacific white-sided dolphins are exceptionally gregarious and energetic marine mammals, famous for their high-flying acrobatics and bow-riding behavior. They travel in highly social pods that can range from dozens to thousands of individuals, often associating with other cetaceans and sea lions. Their striking coloration features a dark grey back, light grey sides, and a brilliant white belly, complemented by a highly curved, hook-shaped dorsal fin.

MarineAcrobaticSocial

NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA) / Public domain · cc0

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preySquid, Anchovies, Hake

Predators

Killer Whale
Great White Shark

ThreatsBycatch in commercial gillnets, marine debris, and ocean noise pollution

HabitatsCool temperate pelagic and coastal waters of the North Pacific

Life span35 to 45 years

Classification

FamilyDelphinidae
SpeciesLagenorhynchus obliquidens

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe from a vessel at a respectful distance.
What to notice: Look for a strongly hooked, bicolored dorsal fin and a blunt snout with no prominent beak.
Support conservation: Never approach, feed, or attempt to swim with wild dolphins; always maintain a slow, predictable vessel course.

Responsible observation

Watch from a distance: Maintain a distance of at least 100 yards to avoid disrupting their natural behaviors.
Look for bow-riding: These dolphins often seek out vessels to ride the pressure waves created by the bow.
Listen for vocalizations: On quiet days near a pod, you may hear their clicks and whistles through the air.

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