Sighting

Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)

The common dolphin is easily identifiable by its peculiar colouring. As can be seen in the photos, it shows on its sides a sort of cross that clearly delimits colours in shades of yellow and different greys.

Two species of common dolphin are currently recognised and a third is under discussion. The main difference is the length of the snout.

It lives in warm and temperate zones of all oceans. Although they usually swim in small family groups, they sometimes gather in large groups of thousands of individuals.

Unfortunately, it is a species that has been greatly harmed by tuna fishing, suffering a significant number of catches every year, as well as being affected by the fishery for its own survival. In areas such as the Mediterranean, where its presence was very common, its numbers have been dramatically reduced and it is currently classified as an endangered species in this area.

The common dolphin can weigh up to 140 kg and has a size between 1.5 and 2.5 metres.