Atlantic and Pacific Spotted Dolphins

Stenella plagiodon(Atlantic)
Stenella attenuata(Pacific)


FIELD MARKS:
dolphinlike
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to 8 feet
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heavily spotted, light on dark
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falcate dorsal fin
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create much froth when swimming
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acrobatic
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compare with Spinner Dolphin

Note

There are only minor differences between the Pacific and Atlantic varieties. The main difference being that the Pacific variety is divided into several races - a coastal species off Mexico that is heavily spotted, and a Hawaiian race that is hardly spotted at all, but can be quickly identified by its distinct white lips and snout.

Description

Average adult size is 2.4m (8') with robust bodies. Adults are dark on dorsal side, profusely marked with light spots; sides and belly are lighter gray to white with progressively darker spots. As spotting develops, light blaze of spotting angles up and back through dark upper portion of side toward center of dorsal fin base. Light line from eye to flipper. Distinct dark cape to behind dorsal fin, present in juveniles, becomes less obvious as spotting increases with age. Head slender, beak distinct, moderately long, tip and lips often white. Transverse groove between snout and forehead. Dorsal Fin distinctly falcate, tip pointed.

Habitat

Generally offshore waters at over 100 fathoms at least 8km (5 miles) from coast. Seasonally may approach very close to shore.

Range

From latitude of Cape May, New Jersey, along mainland shores to Venezuela, including Gulf Of Mexico and Lesser Antilles.

Similar Species

Bridled Dolphin(S. frontalis) has less robust body; lacks spinal blaze; adults have more distinct dark cape, dark stripe between corner of mouth and flipper. Rough Toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanenis) has pinkish-white beak. Bottlednosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has well-defined beak.

Comments

This species is also known as the Spotter, Gulf Stream Spotted Dolphin, Spotted Porpoise, and, in older literature, Long Snouted Dolphin. Atlantic Spotted Dolphins may occur in herds of several thousand, but usually less than 50 animals, eating fish and squid. They may jump clear of the water and sometimes ride bow waves.

Unlike some other species, the Atlantic spotted dolphin is not thought to survive well in captivity. They are easily seen from a distance because of the froth they create while swimming. They are often seen mixing with Spinner Dolphins as both assocate with tuna. As a result both species have suffered greatly from the purse seining industry and many individuals no longer ride bow waves but flee from the sound of boat engines.



Copyright 1999-2003 - All Rights Reserved, By Norma Ranieri (EMail:Dolphintailz@oocities.com)



Credits

Much of the information found here has been adapted from the following sources:

"The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Fishes, Whales & Dolphins", Copyright Chanticleer Press, Inc. 1983. All rights reserved.

"The Whale-Watchers Handbook: A Field Guide to the Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of North America", by David K. Bulloch, Copyright 1993, All rights reserved.

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