The common dolphin is often confused with a wide variety of other dolphins such as, striped dolphins, spinner dolphins, and the Atlantic white-sided dolphin. It is distguished by an elaborate criss-cross or hourglass pattern.

Brief Description:

• Color: Gray, black, purple-black, or brownish cape with V shape under dorsal fin. Tan or yellowish patch on both sides near the head. White or creamy-white underside with a slender pale gray tail stock.

• Dorsal: Tall dorsal fin with pointed tip and a concave trailing edge.

• Body: Prominent beak. Broad black or gray flippers with slightly pointed tips and convex leading edges.

• Habitat: Widely distributed and occur in all oceans. Generally uncommon north of Point Conception, CA. Common dolphins are the mose abundant small cetacean in the Southern California Bight.

Feeding, behavior and interesting facts:

The common dolphin is a fast swimmer and an energetic acrobat that performs many behaviors like flipper-slaps, lobtails, slaps water with chin, bow-rides, and breaches (sometimes turning somersaults). Their dives can last up to about 8 minutes, although usually last 10 seconds to 2 minutes.

These dolphins are highly vocal and can often be heard above the surface.

The common dolphin is still one of the most abundant of all cetaceans, probably numbered in the millions. On the U.S. west coast the estimated population is 225,821.