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The Atlantic spotted dolphin
Stenella frontalis
​General description
The Atlantic spotted dolphin is a medium-sized cetacean, with a slender body but slightly more robust than the pantropical spotted dolphin. Its rostrum is cylindrical, relatively short and robust. Its dorsal fin, positioned in the middle of the back, is falcate, wide at the base and curved at its tip. Its body has a blue-gray coloring, with a darker cape covering the dorsal side, while the ventral side is lighter. Throughout its life, the dolphin develops oval spots, white on the back and darker on the belly, creating a pattern characteristic of this species.
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Habitat
The Atlantic spotted dolphin is a coastal species which prefers shallow areas, between 20 and 250 meters deep. On average, their underwater dives are generally brief, lasting around 2 minutes, but can last up to 6 minutes. The depth of their dives varies between 5 and 10 meters, although this can extend to between 40 and 60 meters. It is found mainly in the tropical, subtropical and warm temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike pelagic species, it rarely ventures into the open sea, remaining attached to sedentary coastal habitats.
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Diet
The diet of the Atlantic spotted dolphin is varied. It mainly hunts fish, cephalopods such as squid, and invertebrates that it sometimes finds on the seabed.
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Behavior
These dolphins are gregarious, forming groups of 5 to 10 individuals, although they can congregate in groups of up to 50 individuals. Very lively, they are capable of swimming up to 37 km/h and frequently jump out of the water. They are often observed in association with other species, notably the bottlenose dolphin.
Family : Delphinidae​​
Size (m)​​
Weight (Kg)
Lifespan (years)
Sexual Maturity
(years)
Gestation
(month)
1.80 - 2.00
90 – 100
59
18
1.80 - 2.00
90 – 100
50
8 - 15
12
Global distribution of the Atlantic spotted dolphin, adapted from Plön et al. (2016). A conservation assessment of Stenella spp. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa.
Observations in the Lesser Antilles (CCS)
Main threats
Entanglement in fishing gear, such as gill nets and purse seines, can cause serious injury or death. Underwater noise pollution, from ships and industrial activities, disrupts their behavior, including echolocation and communication, and can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. In addition, interaction with fishing boats, illegal feeding, and hunting constitute additional pressures for this species.
Insufficient data
IUCN Status :
References
- Sylvestre, Jean-Pierre. 2014. Cetaceans of the World Systematics, Ethology, Biology, Ecology, Status. Practical Guide. Éditions Quae.
- Perrin, William F.. (2009). Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals || Atlantic Spotted Dolphin. , (), 54–56. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-373553-9.00014-6
- NOAA Fisheries
- International Whaling Commision