Posted June 10, 2020
Written by Kyla Isakson
Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) are toothed whales, known as odontocetes, that are native to the North Atlantic Ocean. These dolphins typically live for 25 years and are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. These animals form large groups, called pods, and they are cooperative feeders, meaning they work together to herd fish so that it is easier to catch them. Herring, cod, mackerel, shrimp, and sand eels are some common species that they eat. In addition to forming groups with individuals of the same species, Atlantic white-sided dolphins are known to associate with members of other species, including larger whales.
A large pod of Atlantic white-sided dolphins in Cape Cod Bay. Video taken by Kyla Isakson in summer 2016 can be viewed here. Thank you to Naturalist Lindsay Hirt for lending her knowledge during this whale watch.