Striped Dolphin (Stenella Coeruleoalba)

Latin name: Stenella coeruleoalba
Common name: Striped dolphin
Also known as: Blue Dolphin
In other languages: E: Delfin azul, F: Dauphin Bleu et Blanc, D: Streifendelfin (Blau-Weißer Delfin)
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Family: Delphinidae

Distribution: Found throughout many of the seas and oceans of the world. It is common throughout the Mediterranean though relatively uncommon in the Adriatic and totally absent from the Black sea.

Habitat: Though it is generally said that this species prefers the open water, within the Mediterranean it can be found in coastal waters.

Behaviour: The species displays all the playful antics of other dolphins, with a preference for wave riding the wake of large ships rather than the bow wave. There is a day charter boat in the Bay of Gibraltar whose sightings are guaranteed on every trip. This species rides the bow wave of the boat with the regularity of a matinee performance.

Diet: Fish and squid.

Size: Common: 170 - 210cm, maximum: 270cm.

Links: Dolphins - Research & Protection
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Protected under EU law and Gibraltar's Nature Protection Ordinance