Wildlifeof China
Common Dolphin
Whales, Dolphins & Dugong
Photo: no rights reserved · CC0
Delphinus delphis
Basic stats
Diet
Small schooling fish and squid
Habitat
Offshore and shelf waters, often near productive oceanographic features
Range
Warm-temperate and tropical oceans
Size
Approximately 1.7–2.4m
Weight
Approximately 70–110kg
The common dolphin is a slender, fast-swimming dolphin recognized by its long dark beak and hourglass-like flank pattern, with yellowish-tan coloration forward and pale grey behind. Adults are approximately 1.7–2.4m long. The species has a broad warm-temperate and tropical distribution and is often associated with productive shelf edges, upwellings and offshore waters. (Wikipedia, general species account)
It feeds mainly on small schooling fishes and squid, often hunting cooperatively. Common dolphins are highly social and may form schools numbering hundreds or thousands. They readily bow-ride, leap clear of the water and mix with other cetaceans while travelling or feeding. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Common Dolphin eat?
- Small schooling fish and squid
- What habitat does the Common Dolphin live in?
- Offshore and shelf waters, often near productive oceanographic features
- Where is the Common Dolphin found?
- Warm-temperate and tropical oceans
- How big is the Common Dolphin?
- Approximately 1.7–2.4m
- How much does the Common Dolphin weigh?
- Approximately 70–110kg