Atlantic white-sided dolphin  (Lagenorhynchus acutus)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Range

This species inhabits cool temperate and sub-arctic waters of the North Atlantic (4). In UK waters, main concentrations occur around the Hebrides, the Northern Isles and northern areas of the North Sea (3). It is sometimes seen off the west of Ireland, and in the south-west approaches of the English Channel (3).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat

The Atlantic white-sided dolphin tends to prefer depths of between 40 and 270 metres in the vicinity of the continental shelf where the surface temperature is in the range of 6 to 20 degrees Celsius (5). It seems to prefer areas with high seabed relief, and along the continental shelf (6).

left