Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)

There are two recognized species of the common dolphin, the short-beaked and the long-beaked. The appearance varies so much that more than 20 different species have been suggested. Common dolphins are easily recognized by a distinct hourglass pattern on each side of the body, and the species is sometimes referred to as the hourglass dolphin. The common dolphin is often found in large schools of hundreds and even thousands of individuals. It is a very active dolphin, and frequently porpoises, bow-rides, flipper-slaps, somersaults, lobtails and breaches.