How this species of dolphin gained its common name is pretty obvious. The white underside and white "stripes" on both sides makes this species very easily identified. Both classes of the White Sided dolphin has basic coloration with primaries being a black or gray back, varying in shades along the length of the body. The only differences between the Atlantic and the Pacific breeds of these dolphins is the slightly yellow tint that blends with the white stripe on the sides of the Atlantic White Sided dolphins. As well, the Atlantic breed is slightly smaller in size and weight.
The adults of these species of dolphins are approximately 6.5 to 8 feet in length and weigh anywhere from 220 to 300 pounds. These dolphins have shortened snouts and smaller flippers than other species.
The Pacific White Sided dolphin's habitat stretches from the Aleutian Islands of the Gulf of Alaska to Baja, California in the eastern Pacific and from Japan to the Kuril Islands in the Western. The Atlantic White Sided dolphin lives in the ocean off of the eastern United States, from northernmost Florida and stretches up the Atlantic Ocean to the Davis Strait off Greenland. Their diet includes strictly fish, such as anchovies, herring, smelt, and mackerel, and squid. Both classes feed in groups of 10 to 20 dolphins, and each adult can eat up to 20 pounds of fish and squid per day.
Both the Atlantic and Pacific classes of the White Sided dolphin are among the fastest swimmers of all dolphin species. These dolphins can reach speeds up to 25 mph. In addition, these dolphins are the most acrobatic and aerial as well.
White Sided dolphins differ from other species in the area of communication also. Where other species of dolphins uses echolocation to send sound waves for hunting, feeding, and communication, both the Atlantic and the Pacific White Sided dolphins emit sounds through their blowholes located on top of their heads. These sounds are different from those heard by species using echolocation as they can be a deeper tone and cannot be held as long.
White Sided dolphins are vulnerable to storms more than other species of dolphins. The true reason is not known, but is thought to have to relate back to the fact that these dolphins do not use echolocation. Other "enemies" of the White Sided dolphin are killer whales, or Orcas, and sharks. Although these dolphins are smaller and faster then other species, young calves often will swim away from their mothers, and become perfect prey for whales and sharks. White Sided dolphins have also been known to become entangled in fishing nets and become injured from boat traffic.
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