COMMON DOLPHIN
(Delphinus Delphis/Capensis)

	DESCRIPTION: Common dolphins are very elaborate and have highly recognizable markings. The cape or area from its head to just beyond the dorsal fin is dark grey or brown and ends in a distinct “V” pattern. On its sides a yellowish-tan hourglass pattern can be seen with a white underside and lower sides. It has dark flippers, and a dark line from its flippers to its beak. They are so variable in their appearance that up to 20 species have been proposed but there is only one true species with 2 distinct forms, the long-beaked and short-beaked. The long beaked is more muted in color and has a more gradual melon and beak whereas the short-beaked is more robust, has a larger dorsal fin, and has a more dramatic melon that angles sharply into the beak. Common dolphins reach7.5-8.5 feet and can weigh nearly 300 lbs.
	RANGE/HABITAT: Found in all tropical and warm-temperate waters. The long-beaked dolphin is found more inland and along the coast and the short-beaked is more offshore around the edge of shelves or around seamounts or escarpments.
	BEHAVIOR: Common dolphins feed on squid and small schooling fish, often at night. Like other dolphin species, they commonly work together in large groups to corral the fish into tight balls and take turns at fishing. They will also take advantage of human fishing efforts and steal fish from nets or lines. Common dolphins are one species that is often found in huge numbers of hundreds and even thousands. They are very acrobatic and active and can be heard splashing and jumping from long distances. It is not unusual to see common dolphins riding the waves of the boat as you exit and enter the harbor, surfing off of the bow or in the wake. Although it may appear at times as if the boat is going to hit the dolphins, they use echolocation and are constantly aware of where the boat is and where they need to move to. Common dolphins are also often seen with other marine species and have even been seen riding in the wake of large whales.
	MATING / BREEDING: Common dolphins have a gestation period of 10-11 months and reach sexual maturity when they are 3-4 years old or 6-7 feet long. The babies are generally 30-35 inches long when born and can swim immediately after birth.
	STATUS: Common dolphins are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 but are still exposed to many threats of human interference such as chemical pollution, hunting and fishing bycatch. Some populations have been measured with moderate levels of heavy metals or exposure to pollution. In Peru, common dolphins may be taken for food and for use as shark bait. They have also been hunted in the Black Sea by Turkish and Russian fisherman for fish meal and oil. These dolphins have also been threatened by interference with midwater trawls and purse seines used for catching tuna and other fish.