Common Dolphin - Delphinus delphis


This, the most numerous species of dolphins in the world, can be identified by the large white saddle on each side of its body, a long narrow snout and frenetic energy. They are also called Saddleback dolphins. Found throughout tropical and subtropical regions (and occasionally beyond), this is an extremely energetic animal. It is often observed in vast pods (confirmed pod sizes range up into the hundreds of thousands of individuals). Common dolphins are almost always on the move. So attracted are they to the free wave in front of the bow of a boat, that they seem almost addicted to riding that wave or "bowriding." At times in the Sea of Cortez a solid mass of bowriding Common dolphins can be seen ahead of the boat. In the Sea of Cortez where Common dolphins reside year round a typical pod size is between 100-500 individuals. Occasionally, very small or very large pods are encountered. A few times each season pods of a few thousand individuals may be spotted, and offer a memorable sight. Common dolphins do jump, usually making a very ungraceful reentry to the sea, quite literally slapping the water with the sides of their bodies and sending up a large splash. They rarely jump together, rather choosing to do so one at a time, or from vastly different locations within the pod if jumping simultaneously. Fairly large groups of quite small Common dolphins are occasionally encountered in the Sea of Cortez, leading some experts to feel that possibly there exists a subspecies if not an entirely new one in these waters. Individual identification of Common dolphins is usually next to impossible, discounting a severely deformed or scarred individual, both of which are rare sights. This species is often seen traveling briskly with an attendant flock of birds following them and diving to catch the frightened fish that the dolphins are hunting. The resulting frenzy is very exciting to witness and seen almost on a daily basis here in these waters. Fully-grown Common dolphins range in size from 5-8 feet. Occasionally we see this species swim in bioluminescence, which must be akin to watching dolphins swim in neon light. If fortunate enough to observe this, it will surely be one of the highlights of anyone's trip to the Sea of Cortez.

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