Dolphin

DOLPHIN is a toothed WHALE belonging to the family Delphinidae. The largest species is the KILLER WHALE, or orca. Smaller species are distinguished by long, slender bodies, beaks clearly demarcated from their foreheads, and usually a prominent dorsal fin. Dolphins are highly social animals; some species congregate in groups of up to a thousand or more individuals. They may leap playfully and ride the bow waves of vessels. They use an elaborate echolocation system to manoeuvre through the water and to find their food, which consists mainly of fish. They are widely distributed throughout the world's oceans and usually stay in deep water away from the coast. The most common species in BC waters is the Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), which grows to 140 kg and to 2.4 m in length. It has a black back, white belly and grey flanks with white stripes ("suspenders") down the sides. These dolphins, which travel in schools of several hundred animals, are very animated and acrobatic and may be seen year-round.