Species · GBIF taxon 8324617
Short-beaked Common Dolphin
Delphinus delphisAlso known as Common Dolphin, Saddleback Dolphin, Saddle-backed Dolphin
Short-beaked common dolphins travel in spectacular mega-pods that can number in the thousands, creating a churning spectacle of leaps and splashes across the open ocean. These highly social cetaceans are famous for bow-riding alongside vessels, using the pressure wave of the boat to glide effortlessly through the water. They communicate using a complex lexicon of high-pitched whistles, clicks, and squeaks, which help coordinate group hunting efforts on schooling fish.
MarineSocialAcrobatic
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Squid
Predators
- Killer Whale
- Great White Shark
- Bull Shark
ThreatsBycatch in commercial fishing gear, marine pollution, and acoustic disturbance.
HabitatsWarm-temperate and tropical oceans, both deep offshore waters and shallower coastal zones.
Life span35 to 40 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCetacea
- FamilyDelphinidae
- GenusDelphinus
- SpeciesDelphinus delphis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe from a vessel; maintain a respectful distance to avoid disrupting their natural behavior.
Responsible observation
- Vessel Speed: Maintain a steady course and speed if dolphins approach your boat to bow-ride.
- Do Not Feed: Never attempt to feed wild dolphins, as this disrupts their natural foraging behaviors.
- Keep Distance: Avoid actively chasing or corralling pods, allowing them to initiate any close contact.
Predator (c) Martín Acosta Albarracín, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martín Acosta Albarracín · cc-by
Close Relative NASA / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative Wanax01 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Liisa Havukainen, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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