The striped dolphin is among the most widely distributed species of dolphin, with a range that is mostly south of 50° North latitude. Iceland, therefore, is rather farther north than the northern limit of their range. There have been, however, been cases when they have been washed, ashore although they are seldom seen within Icelandic territorial waters.

Striped dolphins are social animals and can often be seen in large groups, as many as thousands together. In the North Atlantic, however, the most common pod size is around 30–40 animals. They often appear to group themselves by age, forming pods consisting of only young animals or of adults, while also forming mixed pods.

In terms of size, striped dolphins can grow to lengths of around 2.4 m and weigh over 160 kg. Striped dolphins are a rather smallish species with a slim, streamlined and powerful build.

This species is characterised by its beautiful colouring and stripes on its sides, with bands of white, grey and blue-grey shadows. Its back and dorsal fin are grey-blue, while its belly is light in colour. Its beak is quite long and clearly delineated from its sloping forehead.

The striped dolphin is the only one of the five species of the genus Stenella that has been found off the coast of Iceland. Striped dolphins communicate using a series of clicks and whistles and by using body language such as breaching, jumping, roto tailing and spy hopping.