1. Camouflage: The lighter coloration of the underside helps the fish and dolphins blend in with the environment when viewed from below, making it more difficult for predators to spot them. This is particularly important for fish and dolphins that live in open water, where there is little cover from above.
2. Reflection of sunlight: The lighter coloration of the underside helps to reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the fish or dolphin. This can be important in warm climates, where overheating can be a problem.
3. Communication: The lighter coloration of the underside may also be used for communication between fish and dolphins. For example, some fish and dolphins use their light-colored bellies to flash signals to each other.
The specific coloration of the underside of fish and dolphins can vary depending on the species. Some species have a completely white underside, while others have a lighter shade of their main body color. The coloration of the underside can also change over time, depending on the fish or dolphin's age and environment.