Common dolphins are easily recognized by the hourglass pattern and tan or yellowish patch on each side, although they can sometimes be confused with striped dolphins. They have a dark cape ranging from black to brown with a v-shape under the dorsal fin. They also have a white underside with occasional yellow streaks and a white tail stock. Their flukes are dark on both sides, and their dorsal fins range from curved to triangular and can be black, greyish white or somewhere in-between. They vary so much that people have suggested there are a number of different species. Only two distinct forms are recognized; the long-beaked and short-beaked. There are only subtle differences between the sexes and males and females are difficult to tell apart. Common dolphins hunt and feed on the same types of fish as the striped dolphin and tunny, this is why they are commonly found together in the same fishing area.

Common dolphins range from 1,7-2,5 meters long. Adult dolphin’s weight: 70-110 kg.