Topic: Dolphins

white-beaked dolphin pack — The white-beaked dolphin can grow up to 2.8 meters and weigh 275 kg. It very often comes to boats and rides the bow wave.
Photo: Kjell-Arne Fagerheim / Institute of Marine Research

Lagenorhynchus albirostris – kvitnos — The dolphins feeds mainly on fish and squid
Photo: Kjell-Arne Fagerheim / Institute of Marine Research

hoppende delfin / springer — Maybe up to 40 years
Photo: Kjell-Arne Fagerheim / Institute of Marine Research

Many of the species of the dolphin family are similar to each other, also in behaviour, as for example the white-beaked dolphin and the Atlantic white-sided dolphin. They can be difficult to tell apart when you don't have them up close.

Published: 28.03.2019 Updated: 03.12.2024

The white-beaked dolphin, which is by far the most common to see in our waters, is connected to shelf areas, while the Atlantic white-sided dolphin is most common towards the deep sea. These dolphins are widespread and make up in the order of 100 000 individuals in total in Norwegian waters.

Atlantic white-sided dolphins are characterized by the distinct yellow-white spot on the side that begins behind the dorsal fin and extends towards the tail fin. They are very sociable, occur often in large groups and like to make acrobatic movements.

With its 36 species, the dolphin family is the most species-rich group of marine mammals. The killer whale is the largest species in the dolphin family.

Contact

Martin Biuw

Head of Research/ Research Manager

40729615

martin.biuw@hi.no

Facts about the Atlantic white-sided dolphin

Name: Lagenorhynchus acutus
Norwegian name: Springer, kvitskjeving
Family: Delphinidae – dolphin family
Body size: Maximum 2.5 m and 200 kg
Max age: Maybe up to 40 years
Distribution: The entire North Atlantic, but seems to prefer shelf edges to deeper seas
Prey: Fish and squid
Characteristics: Has a large yellow/yellowish spot on the flank behind the dorsal fin and towards the tail. It is usually visible when you see the white-beaked dolphin from the side when it is up breathing

Facts about the white-beaked dolphin

Name: Lagenorhynchus albirostris
Norwegian name: Kvitnos, springer
Family: Delphinidae – dolphin family
Body size: Maximum 2,8 m and 275 kg
Max age: Maybe up to 40 years
Distribution: The entire North Atlantic – the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea
Prey: Fish and squid
Characteristics: This dolphin usually has a white beak, but that is not always the case. Viewed from above, it appears greyish-brownish with a large white or light spot behind the dorsal fin as the safest species characteristic. It very often comes to boats and rides the bow wave.