Rough-toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis)

Mammal · GBIF taxon 2440433

Rough-toothed Dolphin

Steno bredanensis

Also known as Rough-Toothed Porpoise, Steno Dolphin

Rough-toothed dolphins excel at deep diving in pelagic waters, using vertically-ridged teeth to grip slippery prey like squid and mahi-mahi. They travel in tight-knit pods of ten to twenty individuals, often skimming the surface at high speeds with their snouts poking above the water. A smooth conical head with no visible forehead crease easily distinguishes them from other oceanic dolphins.

OceanicDeep DiverMarine Mammal

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—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & prey

Squid
Mahi-Mahi
Octopus

Predators

Killer Whale
Great White Shark

ThreatsFisheries bycatch, ocean pollution, boat strikes, underwater noise

HabitatsPelagic and offshore tropical and subtropical waters

Life span30–40 years

Size / weightNot available

Classification

OrderCetacea
FamilyDelphinidae
GenusSteno
SpeciesSteno bredanensis

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe from a boat at a respectful distance.
What to notice: Distinguished by a dark gray body cape, pinkish bellies, white lips, and a smoothly sloping head.
Support conservation: Maintain a distance of at least 100 meters with motorized vessels and never cut across a pod's path.

Responsible observation

Boat Navigation: Maintain a steady course and speed if dolphins approach to bow-ride.
Identification Cue: Look for a conical head that slopes smoothly into the long snout without a forehead crease.
Sighting Logs: Report offshore sightings to cetacean research groups to help monitor pod health.