STRIPED DOLPHIN

Stenella coeruleoalba

Striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) are medium-sized dolphins known for their striking coloration, featuring dark blue and light gray stripes running along their bodies. They are found in temperate and tropical waters across the world’s oceans, typically preferring deeper offshore areas. These dolphins are highly active and fast swimmers, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h, and are known for their acrobatic displays, often leaping out of the water in graceful arcs. They display a unique behavior called roto-tailing, when the animal leaps high out of the water and vigorously rotates its tail while airborne. Striped dolphins are social animals, typically forming groups that range from a few individuals to several hundred or even thousands. They primarily feed on squid and small fish, using echolocation to locate prey in deep waters. These dolphins also exhibit complex social behaviors, including cooperative hunting and communication through clicks, whistles, and body movements. In Faro, due to our close proximity to deep waters, we can often find those acrobatic-oceanic dolphins!