![]() They have also been observed in mixed groups with spinner dolphins and striped dolphins. Short-beaked common dolphins associate with schools of tuna and seabird-feeding flocks, especially in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. They can dive to approximately 1,000 feet but typically dive to about 100 feet to feed on schooling fish and cephalopods (e.g., squid) that migrate towards the surface at night. Short-beaked common dolphins usually rest during the day and feed at night. This “bow riding” behavior has even been observed alongside large whales. They will also swim alongside ships riding the bow for long periods of time. These highly social, energetic dolphins commonly leap out of the water at high speeds, flip end-over-end, and somersault in the air. Short-beaked common dolphins are often active at the surface. These large groups are thought to consist of sub-groups of 20 to 30 individuals that are possibly related or separated by age and/or sex. Short-beaked common dolphins are usually found in large social groups averaging hundreds of individuals and are occasionally seen in larger groups-known as mega-pods-consisting of thousands of animals (up to 10,000 individuals). Considerable variation in color patterns are evident within populations but more markedly different coloration patterns are evident in other geographic areas. The color patterns of young and juvenile short-beaked common dolphins are somewhat more muted and paler than older, adult dolphins. The eye is not typically within the stripe, but still stands out due to a patch of dark pigment around the eye. The side of the body behind the dorsal fin is light gray, and a narrow, dark stripe extends from the lower jaw to the flipper, that includes a complex facial color pattern. Forward of the dorsal fin, behind the head, is a yellow/tan panel that contrasts with the dark cape on their back. Short-beaked common dolphins can be identified by their distinctive color pattern, which is often referred to as an “hourglass pattern.” A dark gray cape extends along the back from the head to just below the dorsal fin where a "V" is visible on either side of the body, creating an hourglass image. Their body is sleek with a relatively tall, triangular dorsal fin in the middle of their back. ![]() ![]() ![]() They have a rounded forehead (known as a melon), a moderately long rostrum, and 40 to 57 pairs of small, sharp teeth in each jaw. As adults, males are slightly larger than females. Short-beaked common dolphins are small, measuring less than 6 feet long and weighing about 170 pounds. ![]()
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