Lagenorhynchus obliquidens

(Gill, 1865)

Vernacular names
English : Pacific white-sided dolphin
French : Dauphin à flancs blancs du Pacifique

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Cetartiodactyla
Family : Delphinidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 250 cm in total length for a weight of nearly 200 kg. Stocky body shape with short beak and highly curved fins. Coloration variable but usually white on belly and black on back with whitish bands and large areas on flanks.

Range and habitat
This species is found in the northern half of Pacific Ocean, from China and Japan, north to Russia and Alaska, south to Baja California. Lives in deep offshore waters mostly, mostly in cool temperate waters.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is still common and widespread. It is occasionally caught in pelagic driftnet and this could be a long term threat for the species’ survival.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Other odd-toed ungulates and Cetaceans” page