Common Dolphin
New Zealand Common dolphins are found country-wide. Their 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.