Striped dolphin

The striped dolphin (scient. Stenella coeruleoalba ) is the most common species of dolphin in Greek waters.

It is usully found far from the coasts, in the open Aegean and Ionian Sea , south of Crete or close to the coasts if the water is very deep. It lives in flocks of 50-100 individuals, and often coexists with other dolphins, such as the Common dolphin and Risso’s dolphin .

Their length can reach up to 2.5m and they weigh 80-120kg. It has slender body and long snout.

The color of the back is gray-blue, the belly is white, and is characterized by narrow strips running along its body (hence the name). A white strip starts near the eye and finishes beneath the dorsal fin.

It is a very cute animal that swims very quickly, reaching speeds of 45 to 50km/h. It often plays with the boats and jumps high in the air.

It can stay under water for 5 to 10 minutes and reaches depths of at least 200 meters to feed on cephalopods and fish .