Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Cetacea · Delphinidae

About

The common dolphin is the most abundant cetacean in the world, with an estimated global population of about six million. It is currently the only member of the genus Delphinus, the type genus of the subfamily Delphininae. This places it as a close relative of the bottlenose dolphin, humpback dolphin, striped dolphin, spinner dolphin, Clymene dolphin, spotted dolphin, Fraser's dolphin, the tucuxi, and the Guiana dolphin.

Fun Fact

Common dolphins form superpods of up to 10,000 individuals when hunting schools of fish, and ancient Greek sailors considered their presence alongside ships a sign of good luck.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Open oceans and coastal waters

Diet

Piscivore

Lifespan

20-25 years

Threats

Ocean Acidification
Overfishing

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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