Short-beaked common dolphin
Delphinus delphis
- Not on exhibit
- Animal type
- Marine mammals
- Ecosystem
- Open ocean
- Relatives
- Bottlenose dolphin, Pacific white-sided dolphin, orca; Order: Cetacea; Family: Delphinidae
- Diet
- Fishes and squid
- Range
- All tropical and temperate oceans
- Size
- Up to 8 feet (2.5 m), 250 pounds (113 kg)
Meet the short-beaked common dolphin
Striking geometric patterns and yellowish side patches make this the most colorful dolphin. This coloring earned it other names, like "hourglass," "crisscross" and "saddleback" dolphin.
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Monterey Bay Cam
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These dolphins are familiar companions to sailors of many seas. As fast-moving ships slice through the water, common dolphins surf alongside and ride the wake. Dolphins also use this hitchhiking trick with their own cousins: sometimes they ride on the waves of large whales.
Conservation
At one time as many as 8,000 common dolphins per year died in the eastern Pacific, victims of the purse seine nets used in tuna fishing. New laws and equipment have improved accidental harm to dolphins, but problems persist for other species.
Cool facts
- Common dolphins travel in pods of up to 2,000 animals.
- This is the classic dolphin of Greek and Roman mythology.
- This dolphin often rides the bow wave of boats or larger whales.
Datos interesantes
- Los delfines comunes viajan en grupos de hasta 2,000 animales.
- Este es el delfín clásico de la mitología griega y romana.
- Este delfín a menudo monta la ola de proa de los barcos o de ballenas más grandes.
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