Atlantic White Sided Dolphin

What is it: 

The Atlantic white-sided dolphin is superficially rather similar to the white-beaked dolphin. The two species may form mixed herds that are sometimes very large.

A rather bulky dolphin, reaching sizes of nearly 3 m in length, the white-sided dolphin is best distinguished from the white-beaked dolphin by its all-black back and elongated yellow-ochre band on the side, extending backwards from the upper edge of a long, white, oval blaze. In common with the white-beaked dolphin, it breaches frequently, but is much less inclined to bow-ride vessels

Links to Scotland's Marine Atlas: 
Chapter 4: Cetaceans
Data originators: 
Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
This information page is part of the theme: 
Cetaceans
More Information: 

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are collectively known as cetaceans. Twenty-three species have been recorded in Scottish waters over the last 25 years. Of these 11 are regularly sighted, the remaining 12 are considered to be vagrants or rare visitors.

Cetaceans are very mobile and can range widely with some undertaking large scale seasonal migrations often leaving Scottish waters in the process. Other species are more localised in their distribution. The greatest diversity of species is found off the continental shelf in waters to the north and west of Scotland.

This page was last modified on : 
Friday, March 2, 2018 - 11:26

Links and Resources

Map Type Click title for metadata and licence informationsort descending Date of data View Map
Map Layers (NMPi) Annual distribution and relative abundance of Atlantic white-sided dolphin (1979 - 1997) Access this map on NMPi
Type Title External link
Web link SNH Dolphins, Whales & Porpoises www.nature.scot
Web link Whale & Dolphin Trust - Atlantic White Sided Dolphin hwdt.org
Web link Marine Scotland Cetaceans www.gov.scot
Documents JNCC - Atlas of cetacean distribution in north-west European waters jncc.defra.gov.uk