Short-beaked Common Dolphin

Description:

Common dolphins of both species are slender and have a long beak sharply demarcated from the melon. The dorsal fin is high and moderately curved backwards. Common dolphins are distinguished from other species by a unique crisscross colour pattern formed by interaction of the dorsal overlay and cape. This yields a four-part pattern of dark grey to black dorsally, buff to pale yellow anterior thoracic patch, light to medium grey on the flank and a white abdominal field. In the short-beaked species, D. delphis, the colour pattern is more crisp and colourful than in D. capensis.

Habitat:

San Pedro Channel off Catalina Island, Ca.