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Other Sea Animals | Whales Dolphins | Common Dolphin

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Short-beaked Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Joyous pod of Common Dolphin photographed by Chris Cicconi

Identification
The Common Dolphin has a distinct beak. The color pattern on the side is a figure "8" with the front loop yellow and the rear loop gray. The back is black with the belly white. There is a black eye patch and a black strip from the corner of the mouth to the eye and across the near edge of the beak.

Common Dolphin - Emmalee Tarry

A Common Dolphin riding the bow-wave of the boat was photographed through the water by Emmalee Tarry. Notice the blow hole is closed because the animal is under water.

Common dolphin will ride the bow-wave of a boat. Experienced captains know how to drive the boat to encourage the dolphins to ride with the boat.

Scot Spangenberg common dolphin leaping from the water.

How To See
Common Dolphins are more likely to be seen offshore and south of Cape Cod.

Common Dolphin photographed on June 28 BBC Pelagic to Atlantis Canyon by Jeff Slovin and used with his permission.

Common Dolphins feed at night and often seem to be playing in large groups during the day time. This is part of the large pod of dolphins seen on the June 28 BBC pelagic to Atlantis Canyon by Chris Ciccone.

Notice the golden or yellow strip near the head of the dolphin second from the right.