Long-beaked common dolphin

With a global population of about six million, the common dolphin is the most populous aquatic mammal in the world. Although once classified into two species, short-beaked and long-beaked, the difference is no longer considered meaningful. Long-beaked common dolphins are social, energetic creatures that are usually found in groups of 100 to 500 – they can be seen swimming in pods, playfully leaping out of the water and riding the pressure waves of ships. At mealtime, the common dolphin makes its way to shallow waters where it feeds on small schooling fish like anchovies, hake, pilchards and sardines, as well as krill and squid.
© Pete Oxford/Minden Pictures