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| Query: common dolphin | Result: 38th of 284 | |
Delphinus capensis, Long-beaked common dolphin
| Resolution: 313x219
File Size: 13499 Bytes
Upload Date: 2008:02:10 22:44:02
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CMS: Delphinus capensis, Longbeaked common dolphin
All common dolphins are slender and have a long beak sharply demarcated
from the melon. The dorsal fin is high and moderately curved backwards.
Common dolphins are distinguished from other species by a unique
crisscross colour pattern formed by interaction of the dorsal overlay
and cape. This yields a four-part pattern of dark grey to black
dorsally, buff to pale yellow anterior thoracic patch, light to
medium grey on the flank and a white abdominal field. In the long-beaked
species, the colour pattern is less crisp and colourful than in
D. delphis
(Perrin
2002).
Detail of Delphinus capensis
©
Michelle Berman, Santa Barbara
The taxonomy of the Common Dolphin is very complicated, as there
are many variations. Research in California and Mexico has revealed
2 distinct forms: the long-beaked and the short-beaked (Heyning
and Perrin, 1994). These show many subtle physical and behavioural
differences and recent evidence, based on morphological and genetic
studies, suggests that they may be separate species. From limited
observations elsewhere, these forms also appear to be distinguishable
in other parts of the world.
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