Spawning occurs well offshore, and little is known of the early days of a dolphins life. However, we do know the little fellows of several inches in length are prettily marked with alternating orange and black bars. Common dolphin are brilliantly colored, but the color nearly instantaneously fades when the fish is decked. This is because the metallic hues are more than just pigments, but are enhanced by the physical shape of the microscopic structure of the skin. This changes rapidly on removal from the water, and landside fishwatchers are deprived of the joy of seeing a common dolphin in all its brilliance.
Common dolphins are one of the finer food fishes.
The flesh is very white and mild, ideal for broiling, too good to waste in a frying pan.