Striped Dolphins — Open Ocean
Stenella coeruleoalba
Quick Fact
Striped dolphins can leap up to 7 metres out of the water and are capable of swimming at speeds exceeding 25 km/h.
About This Species
The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is one of the most abundant dolphin species in the world, found in tropical and temperate oceans globally. They are highly social animals, often travelling in groups of hundreds or even thousands. Striped dolphins are known for their spectacular acrobatic displays — leaping high out of the water and performing complex aerial manoeuvres. They feed primarily on fish and squid in the open ocean.
Why It Matters
Striped dolphins are important indicators of open ocean ecosystem health. They are affected by pollution, noise, and climate-driven changes in prey availability.
Transcript
I was out on the water off the Atlantic coast when a pod of striped dolphins appeared alongside the boat — and within seconds they were leaping, spinning, and bow-riding in a display of pure, exhilarating energy. Striped dolphins are one of the most acrobatic cetaceans in the ocean. They're named for the distinctive blue and white stripes that run along their flanks — one of the most striking colour patterns of any dolphin species. They're highly social animals. You rarely see one alone. They travel in groups of dozens, sometimes hundreds, occasionally thousands — moving through the open ocean in coordinated, fast-moving pods. Striped dolphins are pelagic — they live in the open ocean, far from shore, feeding on fish and squid in deep water. They can dive to over 200 metres and reach speeds of 25 kilometres per hour. Despite being one of the most abundant dolphin species in the world, striped dolphins face real pressures. They're affected by ocean noise pollution from shipping and military sonar, which disrupts their echolocation and communication. They accumulate persistent organic pollutants — PCBs, DDT — in their blubber, which affects their immune systems and reproductive success. And they're still hunted in some parts of the world. Watching a pod of striped dolphins at full speed is one of the great joys of being at sea. They remind you that the ocean, at its best, is full of life and movement and wonder. We owe it to them to keep it that way.