Common NameStriped dolphin |
Latin NameStenella coeruleoalba |
OrderCetacea |
FamilyDelphinidae |
Lengthup to 2.5 m
|
Weight130-170 kg |
Social BehaviorGroups of 20 to 100 . |
Life span:up to 45 years Distinctive characteristics:The striped dolphin is easily recognized by its greyish and white stripes that begin at the eye area and spread along the dorsal and lateral sides of the body. |
 |
Population trend:It is the most abundant dolphin species in the Greek waters and in the whole Mediterranean Sea. However, a 30% reduction of its population size has been recorded for over 3 generations, raising great concern for its survival. Main threats:Prey depletion, chemical and noise pollution, by-catch, and habitat degradation. |
DietFish, cephalopods, crustaceans. |
Habitat Offshore in waters more than 200 m depth, in pelagic and benthopelagic zones. |
Interesting FactsThe only species in the Mediterranean Sea that exhibits roto-tailing. This is the process of leaping very high out of the water and rapidly rotating the tail while in mid-air. |
Status (IUCN):
Common NameCommon bottlenose dolphin |
Latin NameTursiops truncatus |
OrderCetacea |
FamilyDelphinidae |
Lengthup to 3.5 m
|
Weightup to 250-400 kg |
Social BehaviorPods of 2-25 individuals
|
Life span:>50 years Distinctive characteristics:Identifiable by its greyish colouration and its short, wide and rounded snout, and curved dorsal fin. This species is larger and more robust than the other dolphin species. |
 |
Population trend:These dolphins can be found throughout the Mediterranean, but sadly their populations, estimated around 10,000s individuals, have shown a 30% decline since the 1940s. . Main threats:Prey depletion (due to overfishing), accidental (by-catch) and deliberate killings, habitat degradation, noise and chemical pollution. |
DietOpportunistic diet; fish, cephalopods, crustaceans. |
HabitatInshore coastal areas, and offshore areas. |
Interesting FactsBottlenose dolphins can produce up to 1000 clicks per second when echolocating. |
Status (IUCN):
Common NameShort-beaked common dolphin |
Latin NameDelphinus delphis |
OrderCetacea |
FamilyDelphinidae |
Lengthup to 2.5 m
|
Weightup to 140 kg |
Social BehaviorLarge pods of 10-50 individuals, often seen with other species. |
Life span:>30 years Distinctive characteristics:The common dolphin is characterized by a light yellow hourglass shaped colouration on its flanks. Moreover, they have a really distinctive dorsal fin with a sharply ending leading part and white patches on the sides. |
 |
Population trend:Despite their name, the population of common dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea is declining fast. In the last 30-50 years, there has been a loss of 50% of individuals. The most important remaining populations can be found in the northeastern Mediterranean, particularly in the Aegean Sea, located within the Samos bay region. Main threats:Prey depletion, habitat degradation, by-catch and noise and chemical pollution. |
DietFish and cephalopods. |
HabitatOffshore, usually in waters of over 200 m depth. |
Interesting FactsSimilar to many other cetaceans, when the mother is giving birth, other members of the pod keep guard and after the pup is born it is helped to the surface for its first breath. |
Status (IUCN):
Common NameRisso's dolphin |
Latin NameGrampus griseus |
OrderCetacea |
FamilyDelphinidae |
Lengthup to 4 m
|
Weightup to 400 kg |
Social BehaviorGroups of 3-20 animals |
Life span:more than 30 years Distinctive characteristics:It has a robust, stocky body. Their dorsal fin is tall, with a falcate form. The melon is blunt and they have no prominent beak. The species is characterized by white scars all around the body due to social interaction. |
 |
Population trend:No population estimates exist in the Mediterranean Sea. Main threats:By-catch, noise and chemical pollution and habitat degradation. |
DietMainly cephalopods, but also fish.
|
HabitatMigrating through open sea, frequently found in regions with deep marine canyons. |
Interesting FactsThe white markings on their skin are scars, caused by fights and interactions between the individuals, as well as their own prey. |
Status (IUCN):
PHOCOENA PHOCOENA
Length:
1.4 m
Weight:
50 kg
Life span:
~25 years
Feeding habits:
Wide variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans.
Habitat:
Coastal and shallow offshore waters.
Distinctive characteristics:
Identifiable by its plump body, rounded head, low triangular dorsal fin and the lack of beak.
Population trend:
There are no current estimates of its total population size. Their range in the Balkans encompasses the Black Sea and the adjacent water bodies including the northern Aegean Sea, where sporadic strandings have been recorded.
Main threats:
Fish depletion, by-catch, and habitat degradation.
Status (IUCN):
Endangered (EN)
