A
fairly robust animal, the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin is much heavier in body than its
cousin, the Pan-Tropical Spotted Dolphin, with a moderately long and full beak that is
tipped white. Sometimes the lips may also be white. From purplish grey
on the upper body to medium grey and white to the undersides, spotting on this species can
vary from very heavy to know spots at all. The spots are pale on the dark
areas and are darker where they are lighter in colour. Often confused with the
Bottlenose dolphin, the Atlantic Spotted dolphin inhabits the warm waters of the Atlantic
Ocean.
Key Facts of the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin:
Adult length: The average adult length for this species measures about 2 metres and can reach 2.2 metres to 2.3 metres.
Adult weight: They can weigh between 100kg to 140 kg.
Lifespan: The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin can last on average up to 35 years.
Habitat: Only found in the Atlantic Ocean, these dolphins can be found in warm temperate waters, as well as tropical and sub-tropical, in both northern and southern hemispheres, although they are more abundant in the northern regions.
Group size: This species forms groups ranging from 5 to 15 in numbers, although groups of a hundred often been formed. Generally, a family pod can number a maximum of around fifty, but the former numbers are more likely.
Behaviour: These highly active dolphins often breach out of the water, and will usually jump and are very active while they are feeding. This fast energetic swimmer will swim using long and shallow leaps. They love to bow ride and will swim far distances to catch up to a vessel. They also like to associate with Bottlenose dolphins, swimming with them and often being confused with them. The Atlantic Spotted dolphin is very vocal with its high jumps and forward flips. They have often been observed coming to the aid of distressed members of their schools.
Reproduction: Matings take place during the summer and gestation lasts for 11 months, after which the births usually occurring in June.Calves: Newborn calves measure about 90 cm in length and are lightly coloured. They gain their characteristic spots when they reach maturity. Calves eat fish, eel, squid, herring and anchovies.
Diet & Feeding: The Atlantic Spotted dolphin feeds on squid and a large selection of fish, including herring and anchovies, as well as octopus.
| Noteable Features:
Swimming at a speed of over 33 km per hour, the Atlantic Spotted dolphin sometimes
accompanies ships and at other times stays away from them. When they emerge their
snout appears first, then the head and finally the back which is bent and shows the dorsal
fin. They breathe 3 or 4 times a minute. There have
been reports of one individual living of the coast of San Salvador in the Bahamas, who
seems to be enjoying human company.
Threats: Hunting is one of the main threats to all animals ,and the Atlantic Spotted dolphin is no different. They are killed in small harpoon fisheries in the Caribbean. Sadly, all efforts to keep this species in captivity have failed. Population: Unknown , but they are locally common. In the Northwest Atlantic they are thought to be relatively abundant. |
Other Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Facts: A robust animal, the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin is heavier in body and appearance than its Pan-Tropical cousin. The Atlantic Spotted dolphin is very often confused with the Bottlenose dolphin, as they are very similar in appearance, only the latter is larger. Spotted dolphins are born without spots, and they appear more as the dolphin becomes older. Rigorous swimmers, these dolphins frequently throw themselves high into the air. They often swim with Spinner dolphins, and are usually in their company. Some of these dolphins are very friendly and investigative. They will usually approach swimmers and divers, often within touching distance. Spotted dolphins constantly touch each other with their fins, snouts and bodies when they play. Like other dolphins, the Spotted dolphin cannot change the expression on its face. It appears to be smiling, but its lower jaw protrudes the upper, like the Bottlenose. Not all Spotted dolphins have spots. The number and size of the spots vary from one individual to another, and are also according to their age and where they live. |
