Common Dolphins

New Zealand Common dolphins are found country-wide.  There numbers are unknown.

Habitat                       
They are found in temperate waters a few kilometers offshore. In the Bay of Plenty, they are usually found in waters deeper than 50 metres

Length                       
Adults range in length up to 2.7 metres, while calves are usually 80 - 90 cm at birth

Weight                       
A fully grown adult averages 75 kg but can weigh as much as 150 kg

Diet                           
Live school fish and squid

Pod Size                    
From several individuals to several thousand

Life Span                   
Estimated to be around 22 years

Sexual Maturity          
Between 3 and 7 years

Gestation                   
10 - 11 months

Lactation                   
Calves are thought to suckle for between several months and several years

Did you know?

• The New Zealand Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) are identified by their short beaks and distinctive patterns.
• It is the Bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) that most people visualise when they hear the word ‘dolphin’ as is the most well known and studied species.