SHORT-BEAKED COMMON DOLPHIN

Short-beaked common dolphins are closely related to—and easily confused with—long-beaked common dolphins. Once thought to be a single species, the two species differ slightly in size, appearance, and habitat preference.

Short-beaked common dolphins are usually found in large social groups averaging hundreds of individuals and are occasionally seen in larger groups—known as mega-pods—consisting of thousands of animals (up to 10,000 individuals).Short-beaked common dolphins are often active at the surface. These highly social, energetic dolphins commonly leap out of the water at high speeds, flip end-over-end, and somersault in the air. They will also swim alongside ships riding the bow for long periods of time. This “bow riding” behavior has even been observed alongside large whales.

They can dive to approximately 1,000 feet but typically dive to about 100 feet to feed on schooling fish and cephalopods (e.g., squid) that migrate towards the surface at night.