There are two types of common dolphins - the long-beaked common dolphin and the short-beaked common dolphin. The two differ in the length of their beaks or noses. The color patterns on a common dolphin are the most complex of any cetacean. They have 40-55 pairs of small pointed teeth on each side of their mouths. Color: Their back is dark gray to dark black starting from the top of the head continuing down to the tail region. This color pattern dips into a V on the dolphin's sides below the dorsal fin, a distinguishing characteristic of the common dolphin. A tan or yellowish patch is found on both sides of the head along with large dark circles around the eyes. The dolphin's belly is white to creamy-white with a gray colored tail. Length and Weight: The common dolphin can reach lengths of 7.5 to 8.5 feet and weigh up to 297 pounds. On average the common dolphin is 5.8-8 feet and weighs 155-245 pounds. Males are slightly larger than females. Fins: The dorsal fin is located near the middle of the back and is triangle-shaped, pointed and curved. It is black to light gray in color with a black border. The dolphin's flippers are long and thin and generally dark in color. Sexual maturity is reached when the dolphin is 3-4 years old, or when they grow to 6 to 7 feet in length. Depending on where the dolphins live, they may reach sexual maturity later or earlier in life. The gestation period lasts for 10-12 months in the female, with calving peaks in the spring and fall seasons. Calves are 30-34 inches at birth and they nurse for 14-19 months. The common dolphin can be found widely distributed in all tropical, sub-tropical and warm-temperate waters. In the Atlantic Ocean, they migrate as far north as Iceland and are found in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. In the Pacific Ocean they can be seen as far north as Northern California and Japan, and reach as far south as the southern tip of Africa, South Australia and New Zealand. They have also been seen entering bays and rivers. The long-beaked common dolphin is more often found in coastal waters, whereas the short-beaked common dolphin is seen more frequently in offshore areas. Both long-beaked and short-beaked dolphins are found in the Southern California bight. Like other dolphins, common dolphins hang out in large social groups called pods. Pods of common dolphins range from 1,000-100,000 individuals. These dolphins have been known to be friendly and can be seen doing flips and somersaults in the ocean. Dolphins communicate and hunt by means of echolocation. What is echolocation? Dolphins send out sound waves into the water. When the sound hits an object, it bounces off, and an echo comes back to the dolphin. The dolphin can identify an object by the sound of the echo. The echo's sound tells the dolphin the size, shape and texture of the object the sound wave hits. This is how dolphins find their food and talk with other dolphins. |
