Pronunciation: [stɹˈa͡ɪpt dˈɒlfɪn] (IPA) 
The word "striped dolphin" is spelled with a combination of English letters and sounds. The first syllable, "striped," is pronounced as /strʌɪpt/ with a long "i" sound and a consonant cluster of "str." The second syllable, "dolphin," is pronounced as /ˈdɒlfɪn/ with a short "o" sound and a silent "h" at the end. The IPA phonetic transcription helps to accurately represent the sounds and pronunciations of this word.
The striped dolphin, scientifically known as Stenella coeruleoalba, is a species of marine mammal belonging to the family Delphinidae. It is easily recognized by its distinct coloring pattern of dark, vertical stripes covering its body.
Typically measuring around 2-2.5 meters in length and weighing about 100-140 kilograms, striped dolphins have a sleek and slender body shape. They possess a long, slender beak and a curved dorsal fin, both characteristics distinguishing them from other dolphin species.
These highly social animals are found in warm and temperate oceans worldwide, often in groups that can reach hundreds or even thousands of individuals. Striped dolphins are known for their acrobatic behavior, frequently leaping out of the water and riding the bow waves created by boats.
Their diet mainly consists of small fish and squid, and they have been observed using cooperative hunting techniques to capture their prey. Striped dolphins are known to communicate using a series of clicks, whistles, and body movements, enabling them to navigate and socialize efficiently.
Due to their beauty and captivating displays, striped dolphins are a popular sight for tourists on ocean excursions. However, they also face threats from human activities, such as accidental entanglement in fishing gear or habitat destruction. Conservation efforts have been implemented to protect this species and ensure their survival for future generations to appreciate and admire.
The word "striped dolphin" has a straightforward etymology. The term "striped" comes from the Old English word "strīep", which means a line or band of contrasting color. It can be traced back to the Middle Dutch word "striep" and the Old High German word "striup". "Dolphin", on the other hand, comes from the Old French word "daulphin", which stems from the Latin word "delphinus". This Latin term ultimately originates from the Greek word "delphis" meaning "dolphin". Hence, when combined, "striped dolphin" refers to a species of dolphin that has distinctive lines or bands of color on its body.
