Pacific White-Sided Dolphins are named for their distinctive coloring – their bodies are dark gray or black, with a striking white or light gray patch on each side.
They are found in the cold, temperate waters ranging from North America to Asia. In November to April, these dolphins can be seen in nearshore waters off of Southern California.
Pacific White-Sided Dolphins are social animals and often found in large groups of up to thousands. They are fast, acrobatic and playful, and are one of the species commonly found bow-riding off boats. They have also been observed working together to catch fish. These dolphins are often seen with other cetaceans, including Northern Right Whale Dolphins and Risso’s Dolphins.
Diet
Squid, Sardine, Anchovy
Population Status | Monterey
Legal Protection
Marine Mammal Protection Act, National Marine Protected Area Act
Threats
Biotoxin (Algal Blooms), Human Related Loss (Habitat Loss, Ocean Noise, Hunting, Food Source Loss, Climate Change, Disturbance, Entanglement, Harassment, Oil Spills, Pollution, Boat Strikes, Collisions)
Size
7’9″ft (Female)
8’2″ft (Male)
Weight
330 lb (Female)
440 lb (Male)
BEHAVIORS
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Flip
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Bow Riding
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Mating
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Mixed Species Pod
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Breach