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A dolphin partially emerges from blue ocean water on a sunny day.
Dolphin leaping above the ocean surface with water splashing around.
A dolphin leaping out of the water in the ocean, with splashes around.
Dolphin jumping out of the blue ocean water, creating splashes.

Common Dolphin

General Information
Life Span
30-35 Years
Occurrence in Faro
Resident
Pod Composition
10-2000 animals
Max Speed
55 km/h
Max Size
2.5m
Sightings
Very Common
Diet
Fish & Squid
Dive
Up to 8 mins & 280 meters
A dolphin partially emerges from blue ocean water on a sunny day.
A dolphin leaping out of the ocean with a clear sky.
Dolphin surfacing in the ocean with water splashing around.
Two dolphins swimming in clear blue water with visible reflections.

COMMON DOLPHIN

Delphinus delphis

Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) are one of the most widely distributed and abundant dolphin species, found in temperate and tropical seas worldwide. They are known for their striking coloration, which includes a dark, hourglass-shaped pattern on their sides, created by their unique pigmentation. These dolphins are highly social, often forming large groups that can range from dozens to over a thousand individuals, known as superpods. Their social structure is complex, with evidence suggesting strong bonds and cooperative behaviors within pods. Common dolphins are excellent hunters, often engaging in coordinated group hunting tactics to herd fish into tight clusters, making them easier to catch. They are known for their impressive speed, reaching up to 55 km/h, and are often observed riding the bow waves of boats – a behavior believed to be both playful and energy-saving. This species is the most sighted cetacean in Faro

View Other Odontoceti