Stenella coeruleoalba
Striped dolphins are often found in warm waters, usually
staying in tropical and subtropical regions. They can be found
in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, usually offshore,
though sometimes in deeper waters closer to shore. The ancient
Greeks even observed these dolphins in the Mediterraean, and
often painted pictures of them.
This dolphin is easily recognized by the stripe that runs
from their dark colored rostrum, around their eye, and down
along their side to their rear flank. Another darker patch
runs from their melon along their back to their dorsal, ending
just behind their dorsal fin, with one portion sweeping forward
on the body. The underside is usually considerably lighter
in color - either white or pinkish. Coloration between individuals
can vary greatly, with some looking grey in tone while others
are more brown. Even within these two colors the tone of the
color varies, with some being lighter or darker than others.
Found in large groups of anywhere from several hundred to
several thousand, these dolphins are very active in the water.
They breach frequently and can leap to great heights - up
to 7 m (23 ft)! Quite acrobatic, they can be seen doing flips,
spins, and leaps out of the water upsidedown. Some populations
will bow ride, but others will not.
These dolphins do associate with common dolphins on a regular
basis, and might even be confused as a common dolphin from
a distance, but they lack the distinctive yellow hourglass
shape on the side. Striped dolphins are also generally darker
than a common dolphin.
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