PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN
Stenella Coeruleoalba
Order
Odontoceti
Family
Delphinidae
These dolphins live up to around 45-50 years, measure between 1.9 - 2.6 meters, and weigh between 90 and 160 kg. They are carnivores and feed on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks that they find offshore. They undertake a daily or seasonal migration depending on the availability of food resources.
The Pacific white-sided dolphin, also known as the striped dolphin, primarily lives offshore and in warm tropical and temperate waters above 20°C. It is pelagic, but can also be observed near the coast when the continental shelf drops sharply.
Sexual maturity is reached between 8 and 12 years. Females can give birth to a calf every three to four years after a gestation period of about one year.
- Source : AGOA
Head
Medium-sized beak, well-defined 'melon'.
Dorsal Fin & Fins
Large dorsal fin, small and slender pectoral fins, concave caudal fin with a small median groove.
Coloration
Bluish-grey, dorsal side with a dark cape, ventral side white to slightly pinkish, fine dark-blue lines extending along the flanks from the eye to the pectoral and anus, black fins, light 'flame' on the flanks rising towards the dorsal fin.
