age.

The body shape varies slightly but usually closely resembles that of the
striped dolphin (p. 113). The dorsal fin varies from nearly triangular
to distinctly falcate and is pointed on the tip. It is sometimes all
black and sometimes black on the borders with a lighter grayish region
of varying size near the middle.

The back is basically black or brownish black, but this coloration and
the extent of the striping patterns that form the impression of a saddle
and the degree of color distinction between the different zones are
highly variable.

The chest and belly are cream white to white and are the most
distinctive features from a distance. Up close, the sides will be seen
to be distinctly marked with an hourglass or crisscross pattern of tan
or yellowish tan. This crisscross pattern is diagnostic for the species.

The rostrum is intermediate in length and shape between that of the
spinner and that of the striped dolphin and is often black with a white
tip.

Natural History Notes

Saddleback dolphins are often seen in herds of a thousand or more and
are often very active, many animals leaping clear of the water at any
time. Like spinner dolphins, saddleback dolphins are active bow-riders
and often come to the boat from considerable distances. Once on the bow
they often ride for extended periods of time.

Saddleback dolphins feed on squid and on a variety of fishes, including
anchovies, myctophids, and hake.

May Be Confused With

Saddleback dolphins might easily be confused with striped dolphins and
must be examined closely to be distinguished from them. Primary
differences apparent in encounters at sea are as follows:

SADDLEBACK DOLPHIN STRIPED DOLPHIN

COLORATION

Back basically black or Back from light gray to dark
brownish; distinct white gray to bluish gray; sides
chest or belly patch; hourglass gray; belly gray or white;
or crisscross pattern on distinctive black lateral
sides, some tan to yellowish striping from 1) eye to
tan; distinct black stripe flipper, 2) eye to anus, and
from flipper to middle of 3) dark color behind dorsal
lower jaw. fin forward, towards but not
reaching head.

LENGTH

To 7.5 feet, rarely to 8.5 feet To 9 feet (2.7 m).
(2.3-2.6 m).

From a