Common dolphins (also referred to as short-beaked common dolphins) are an offshore species but often come close to shore to feed. They are highly social and normally found in groups, travelling at speed and frequently leaping from the water. They feed mainly on fish and will work together to herd their prey into a ball.
How to identify
A slender dolphin, they are dark grey above and whiter below. Common dolphins have a distinctive hourglass pattern on their sides, including an obvious yellow-cream area starting behind the long, narrow beak. The dorsal fin is tall and triangular and curves slightly backwards.
Did you know?
Common dolphins are fast! They can reach swimming speeds of around 30 miles per hour when chasing food or bowriding alongside boats.
