Lagenorhynchus acutus (Atlantic White-sided Dolphin)
The Atlantic white-sided dolphin has a limited distribution in the cool temperate and subarctic waters of the North Atlantic. They prefer the continental shelf regions to the west of the Outer Hebrides, although they tend to move closer to the coast during summer months.
Additional Information
Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit
Convention on Migratory Species, Small Cetaceans Agreement, Baltic, NE Atlantic, Irish and North Seas
EC CITES Annex A
Bern Convention Appendix 2
EU Habitats Directive Annex 4
Scottish Biodiversity List of species of principal importance for biodiversity conservation
The Atlantic white-sided dolphin has moderately long and slender flippers and small tail flukes. The dorsal fin is tall, large and located on the middle of the back. The head is smoothly sloping with a distinct but small snout. It has a complex clearly marked colour pattern. It is black to dark grey on the back from the upper beak to the tail, changing sharply to light grey on the sides. The lower jaw and belly, as far as the anus, are white. A distinct white band is visible on the flanks under the dorsal fin between the black and light grey colouration, which turns into an olive-yellow stripe towards the rear at the lower margin of the dark dorsal colouration. A dark line runs from the upper beak to, and surrounding, the eye.
Identifying features
Slender body up to 3 m in length, but commonly 2.5-2.8 m.
Tall, large dorsal fin located on the middle of the back.
Very deepened tail stock.
Dorsally dark grey to black, laterally light grey and ventrally white in colour.
Flanks have a white band, which runs inito an olive stripe at the rear.
Black line running from the upper beak to the eye.
Short slender flippers.
Gently sloping head with a short, thick beak.
Straight mouthline, beak is black in colour.
29-40 conical teeth in each half of both jaws.
Morvan Barnes and Catherine Wilding 2008. Lagenorhynchus acutus. Atlantic white-sided dolphin.