Mammals
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
Lagenorhynchus obliquidens · also called Pacific white-sided dolphins, lag
Flipping and spinning through the cool waters of the North Pacific, a Pacific white-sided dolphin puts on one of the more energetic acrobatic displays of any dolphin species in the region, its multi-toned grey-and-white pattern flashing with every leap.
Overview
The Pacific white-sided dolphin, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens, is a highly acrobatic dolphin native to cool temperate and subarctic waters across the North Pacific, from Japan to the western coast of North America. Its status as one of the most acrobatic dolphin species in the region, distinctive multi-toned colour pattern, and tendency to travel in large, boisterous groups make it one of the more visually and behaviourally engaging dolphins found in the North Pacific.
The North Pacific’s most enthusiastic performer
Few dolphins in the North Pacific match the sheer acrobatic energy of this species, whose spinning leaps and somersaults have made it a favourite among whale-watchers travelling through its cool offshore range.
Status
Least Concern overall but decreasing in parts of its range, widespread across suitable cool water habitat throughout the North Pacific.
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin: common questions
How acrobatic is the Pacific white-sided dolphin?
This species is considered one of the most acrobatic dolphin species found in the North Pacific, regularly performing spinning leaps, somersaults, and flips well clear of the water, a level of aerial activity that makes it a particularly popular species for whale-watching tours where it occurs.
How can you identify a Pacific white-sided dolphin?
Look for a distinctive multi-toned colour pattern combining dark grey, light grey, and white markings along the sides, a pattern that helps distinguish this species from other similarly sized dolphins sharing the same cool North Pacific waters.
Does the Pacific white-sided dolphin travel with other species?
Yes, this species has been observed associating with other cetacean species, including pilot whales, sharing space and occasionally interacting during encounters at sea, a social flexibility shared with several other North Pacific dolphin species.
How cold is the water the Pacific white-sided dolphin lives in?
This species tolerates notably cool offshore waters across the North Pacific, ranging from temperate to subarctic conditions depending on season and location, a broader temperature tolerance than some warmer-water dolphin relatives found in more tropical regions.