Species profile

Name: there are two closely related species of spotted dolphin, the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis), and the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuate).

Appearance: the appearance of both species varies considerably by age and the area they live in. The most distinctive feature to look out for is the spots that cover their backs, although these are not uniform. Generally, the older the dolphin, the more spots they are likely to have. Although some populations, such as those living in the Gulf of Mexico, may never grow spots.

Size: Atlantic spotted dolphins are larger, reaching 2.3 m long and 140 kg, while the pantropical species weigh up to 120 kg.

Diet: both species feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans.

Did you know: pantropical spotted dolphins are often found swimming alongside shoals of tuna, particularly in the East Pacific, as both species look for similar prey. However, this habit almost led to their extinction. In the 1960s and 70s, fishermen captured millions of dolphins in purse seine nets designed to catch tuna. Over a period of about 25 years, 75% of the region’s population, and over half the world’s total, were wiped out. In the 1980s, the rise of ‘dolphin-friendly’ tuna saved millions of dolphins and they are now one of the most abundant in the world.

Location: pantropical spotted dolphins can be found throughout the world’s tropical and subtropical oceans, while the Atlantic species is only found in the Atlantic Ocean.

Where to see spotted dolphins

According to reports submitted to WildSide, you can see spotted dolphins in the following places:

Photo credit: NOAA Photo Library under a Creative Commons licence from Flickr