description White-beaked Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) Overview
The white-beaked dolphin, Lagenorhynchus albirostris, is a robust oceanic dolphin of cold and temperate waters in the North Atlantic. It has a short, often pale beak, a strongly curved dorsal fin, and a complex gray, black, and white body pattern, although coloration varies among individuals. The species commonly travels in groups and feeds on schooling fish and cephalopods over continental shelves and adjacent deeper waters.
help White-beaked Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) FAQ
Where can white-beaked dolphins be found?
White-beaked dolphins inhabit cold and temperate waters of the North Atlantic, especially around Iceland, Greenland, Norway, and the British Isles. They generally favor continental shelf waters rather than tropical seas.
How can a white-beaked dolphin be distinguished from an Atlantic white-sided dolphin?
The white-beaked dolphin has a stockier body, a short pale or mottled beak, and a tall curved dorsal fin. Atlantic white-sided dolphins usually show a more conspicuous yellowish flank patch and a darker beak.
Do all white-beaked dolphins have a completely white beak?
No, the beak can range from pale gray or white to substantially darker coloration. Identification therefore also relies on the animal's robust build, dorsal fin, and complex gray-and-white saddle pattern.
What do white-beaked dolphins eat?
Their diet includes schooling fish such as cod, haddock, herring, and capelin, along with squid and crustaceans. Groups may feed cooperatively where prey is concentrated in North Atlantic shelf waters.
explore Explore More
Similar to White-beaked Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris)
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
