Pacific White-Sided Dolphin

Lagenorhynchus obliquidens

FIELD MARKS:
dolphinlike
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to 7 feet
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white suspenders
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falcate dorsal fin that is dark forward and light aft
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light side areas
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gregarious
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compare with Common Dolphin

Note

The size and coloration of the light gray areas of the sides vary among animals.

Gregarious, in herds from 200 to several thousand. Often in the company of other dolphins and the California Sea Lion. Will approach close to shore if the water is deep. Wil often run alongside a ship and will ride bow waves. Will jump clear of the water, often landing with a resounding smack. Occasionally, they will make complete summersaults.

Description

Maximum length 2.3m (7'6"). Fusiform, cylindrical; head tapers continuously and mmoothly to an abbreviated dark beak. Dorsal fin is set in the middle of the back and is quite falcate, ending in a rounded tip. Flippers are curved with a concave trailing edge. Coloration is complex - the back is black, sides light gray, and belly white. Two white stripes run down the back like suspenders. The forward part of the dorsal fin is black and the remainder light gray. Most of the lower head is light gray, which extends back along the body well behind the flippers. ANother light section occurs on the sides behind and below the dorsal fin and extends rearward to the flukes. Flukes dark.

Habitat

Offshore waters, also inside outer edge of continental shelf; often close to shore near deep canyons.

Range

As far north as the Aleutians and the Gulf of Alaska (summer), southward to the tip of Baja California. Common around Cedros and Natividad Islands off Baja, and the Channel Islands off California, especially from October through February.

Similar Species

Can be confused from a distance with the Common Dolphin and Dall's Porpoise, but it has a much taller and more falcate dorsal fin than either, and is colored dark forward and lighter aft.

Comments

Often in large groups.

Its two white body streaks (suspenders) are quite distinctive.

Also known as the Lag, White-striped Dolphin, and Hookfin Porpoise. They eat a wide variety of fishes and squids. As with all cetaceans, the maximum age is difficult to determine. Captive Pacific White-sides Dolphins have lived for just over 10 years.

Credits

Much of the information found here has been adapted from the following sources:

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