Atlantic white-sided dolphin

Description

The white- sided dolphin or Atlantic dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) is a species of cetacean odontocete in the family Delphinidae.It is a dolphin with a characteristic coloration that lives in the cold waters of the North Atlantic Ocean.This dolphin is noticeably longer than other oceanic dolphins.At birth they measure one meter in length,and reach approximately 2.80 meters in adult (males) and 2.50 meters (females).The total weight varies between 200 and 230 kg for a fully developed specimen.The females reach sexual maturity between 6 and 12 years,and males between 7 and 11 years.The gestation period is 11 months,and breastfeeding lasts almost a year and a half.It is known of specimens that have lived up to 22 years (males) and 27 years (females).The distinctive feature of Lagenorhynchus acutus is its pale white or yellow patch on each side of the body under the dorsal fin.The animal's color variations are unique,within the range of white,gray and blue mixtures common to other pelagic cetaceans.The rest of the body has a well-defined coloration,with the throat,chin and belly white,the back and fins dark gray to black,with the exception of the yellow patch.There is a blurry white patch under the dorsal fin,on a light gray band that runs from the snout,under the eyes and down to the birth of the tail.