Common Dolphin
Species Information
Jessica Redfern (according to photo caption) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Statistics
Scientific name: Delphinus delphis
Length:Â 2.7m
Weight:Â up to 150kg
Average lifespan:Â up to 35 years
Conservation status
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, listed under CITES Appendix II and classified as a Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.
When to see
January to DecemberÂ
About
The common dolphin is an offshore species but comes close to shore to feed. They are highly social and normally found in groups. This species feed mainly on fish using their groups to work together in order to herd their prey into a ball. This mammal travels at high speed frequently leaping from the water.
How to identify
Common Dolphins are also referred to as short-beaked common dolphins. They are a slender dolphin and are dark grey above with whiter bellies. Common Dolphins have a characteristic hourglass pattern on their sides, including an obvious yellow-cream area starting behind the long, narrow beak. The dorsal fin is tall and triangular and curves slightly backwards.
Did you know ?
Common dolphins can reach swimming speeds of around 30 miles per hour. These speeds are reached when chasing food and bowriding alongside boats.
How you can help?Â
Did you know you can help wildlife in your local river ? You can do this in many ways from reporting pollution to SEPA, by not flushing wet wipes down the toilet and even at one of our many conservation volunteer days. Check out our Get Involved page for more information on how you can get involved with your local river.