- Lifespan
- 20–30 years in the wild
- Size & Weight
- 1.7–2.4 m in length; 70–150 kg
- Habitat
- Coastal and offshore temperate waters, typically found in areas with high prey availability such as around continental shelves and upwelling zones.
- UK Distribution
- Summer visitor to UK waters, particularly around the southwest coast, Bay of Biscay, and occasionally the North Sea; most common from June to October.
- Diet
- Fish and cephalopods, primarily small schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, and lanternfish.
- Prey
- Sardines, anchovies, lanternfish, squid
- Predators
- Large sharks (great whites, tiger sharks in warmer regions), killer whales (orcas), and larger dolphins
- Mating Season
- Primarily spring to early summer (April to June)
- Breeding
- Single calf born after approximately 10–11 months gestation; calves nursed for 3–4 years; females breed every 2–3 years
- Behaviour
- Highly social and gregarious, living in pods of 10–30 individuals, occasionally in larger groups numbering hundreds. Known for acrobatic leaping and fast, energetic movement through water. Communicate using clicks, whistles, and body signals.