Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Stenella frontalis
- Common name
- Atlantic spotted dolphin
- Category
- Marine mammals
- Family
- Delphinidae
- Genus
- Stenella
- Size
- 150–230 cm
- Depth
- 0–200 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- open-water
- Behaviours
- schooling, fast-moving
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific
Description
Stenella frontalis reaches 2.3 m. Slender mottled dolphin, dark gray body with white spots multiplying with age. Juveniles uniformly gray, adults covered in spots. Distribution warm-temperate to tropical Atlantic (Azores, Madeira, Bahamas). Lives in active groups of 5 to 50 individuals, often with T. truncatus. Playful, approach boats readily. Surface acrobats, spectacular jumps. One of the emblematic encounters of Azores dolphin tours.
Photo of Atlantic spotted dolphin
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Atlantic spotted dolphin?
- Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) reaches 150–230 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Atlantic spotted dolphin?
- Atlantic spotted dolphin is found between 0–200 m deep.
- Is the Atlantic spotted dolphin dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the Atlantic spotted dolphin?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the Atlantic spotted dolphin?
- Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.
Other species in the family Delphinidae
- Tursiops truncatus - Common bottlenose dolphin
- Delphinus delphis - Common dolphin
- Globicephala macrorhynchus - Short-finned pilot whale
- Orcinus orca - Killer whale
- Globicephala melas - Long-finned pilot whale
- Tursiops aduncus - Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 137108)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 5220045)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia