Striped dolphins are very active, extremely agile, and energetic animals, frequently breaching high out of the water, sometimes reaching heights of up to 7 metres.

A distinctive behaviour observed in this species is known as “roto-tailing”, which involves a high, arcing leap during which the dolphin vigorously whips its tail in a circular motion before re-entering the water.

Striped dolphins typically travel in groups ranging from around 10 to 100 individuals and are socially organised according to age, sex, and reproductive status. They reach sexual maturity between the ages of 5 and 15 years, with females generally maturing earlier than males.

In the Mediterranean Sea, the peak mating season usually occurs in autumn, although this can vary depending on the region. After a gestation period of 12 to 13 months, females give birth to a single calf, typically once every three years.

Like many other dolphin species, striped dolphins face several threats. Entanglement in fishing gear, accidental capture as bycatch, and direct hunting for their meat are among the most significant pressures on their populations. Additional threats include overfishing, which reduces the availability of prey, as well as habitat contamination and noise pollution.