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Lagenorhynchus obliquidens
Pacific White-sided Dolphin
Least Concern
Also known as: Pacific Striped Dolphin +2 more
Lagenorhynchus obliquidens
A highly energetic, boldly patterned dolphin with a striking three-tone color scheme. Dark charcoal-black back, bright white sides, pale grey flank stripes running from above the eye toward the tail, and a light grey patch behind the hooked dorsal fin.
Well-developed echolocation and hearing. Active foragers at depth, where echolocation is critical for locating prey schools in darkness.
Pacific White-sided Dolphins produce complex whistles, clicks, and squeal-like sounds. They are highly vocal within large pods.
Highly social hunters. Large groups cooperate to herd schools of fish and squid to the surface. Commonly forages with Northern Right Whale Dolphins and Risso's Dolphins.
Gestation
Approximately 11–12 months. Females give birth every 2–3 years.
Birth
Calves are approximately 35 inches long and 33 lbs at birth.
Calves
Calves nurse for 8–18 months. Young dolphins are noticeably more acrobatic and playful than adults.
Females reach sexual maturity at 5–8 years; males at 7–10 years.
Highly social. Groups of 10–100 are typical; feeding aggregations regularly number 1,000–10,000.
One of the most acrobatic dolphins in the North Pacific. Can swim at 25 mph. Bow-riding is a favored behavior.
Japanese dolphin drives killed an estimated 40,000+ Pacific White-sided Dolphins in the 20th century.
40+ years. Threats include bycatch in large-mesh drift nets, squid trawls, and salmon gillnets.
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