How many common dolphins are there worldwide?

The global population of the common dolphin is estimated at about six million.

Are short‑beaked and long‑beaked common dolphins separate species?

They were once classified as separate species, but are now generally regarded as ecotypes rather than distinct species.

Is the common dolphin the same as the bottlenose dolphin?

No; the common dolphin is a distinct species (Delphinus delphis) and a close relative of the bottlenose dolphin within the subfamily Delphininae.

Has the common dolphin been important culturally?

Yes; the common dolphin appeared in antiquity and is depicted in Greek and Roman art, including Minoan murals.

Is Delphinus a large genus with many species?

No; Delphinus currently contains a single recognized species, Delphinus delphis.

Do long‑beaked populations share the same derived traits worldwide?

No; recent research indicates many long‑beaked populations are not closely related and do not consistently share the same derived traits.

Was the common dolphin considered the archetypal dolphin historically?

No; despite its name, the common dolphin is not widely considered the archetypal dolphin—this role is more often associated with the bottlenose dolphin.

What taxonomic subfamily does the common dolphin belong to?

The common dolphin belongs to the subfamily Delphininae.

Where to See Common Dolphin While Diving

The common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, is the most abundant cetacean in the world with an estimated global population of about six million. It is currently the sole recognized member of the genus Delphinus and belongs to the subfamily Delphininae. Historically, populations were divided into two species—the short‑beaked and long‑beaked common dolphins—but these forms are now generally treated as ecotypes rather than separate species because long‑beaked populations have arisen multiple times from short‑beaked ancestors and do not consistently share the same derived traits. The common dolphin is closely related to several other delphinids, including the bottlenose, striped, spinner, Clymene, spotted, Fraser's, tucuxi, Guiana, and humpback dolphins. The species has cultural significance dating back to antiquity and frequently appears in Greek and Roman art, including Minoan murals.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Algarve (Lagos), Athens Riviera and Saronic Gulf, Cape Town and countries such as Greece, New Zealand, France for divers building trips around common dolphins.