Mammal
Common Dolphin
Delphinus delphisAlso known as Short-beaked Common Dolphin, Saddleback Dolphin, Pacific Common Dolphin
Renowned for their energetic acrobatics, common dolphins frequently leap high out of the water and ride bow waves produced by ships and large whales. They gather in colossal social units known as megapods, which can number several thousand individuals cooperating to herd fish into tight bait balls. A distinctive crisscrossing tan and gray flank pattern forms a bold hourglass marking that readily distinguishes them from other open-ocean cetaceans.
MarinePelagicSocial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyEuropean Pilchard, European Anchovy, Shortfin Squid
Predators
- Killer Whale
- Great White Shark
- Tiger Shark
ThreatsIncidental capture in commercial gillnets and trawls, chemical runoff, and prey depletion
HabitatsWarm-temperate and tropical pelagic oceans, continental shelf waters, and deep offshore basins
Life span25–35 years
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 vessels at a respectful, legally mandated viewing distance.
Responsible observation
- Vessel Etiquette: Maintain a steady cruising speed and never steer directly through an active pod.
- Acoustic Listening: Listen near the hull when pods bow-ride, as vocal whistles and clicks often resonate through the boat.
Predator (c) Martín Acosta Albarracín, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martín Acosta Albarracín · cc-by
Image unavailablePrey 
Close Relative NASA / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative Wanax01 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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