Mammal · GBIF taxon 5220050
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin
Stenella attenuataAlso known as Spotted Dolphin, Bridled Dolphin, Pantropical Dolphin
Pantropical spotted dolphins are sleek, energetic ocean swimmers famous for their acrobatic leaps and prominent spotted coats that darken with age. Calves are born unspotted, gradually acquiring distinct grey and white speckles across their bodies as they mature. They frequently assemble in massive pods numbering in the hundreds or thousands, often leaping high out of the water and riding bow waves created by passing vessels.
OceanicAcrobaticMarine Mammal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Squid
- Flyingfish
- Lanternfish
Predators
- Killer Whale
- False Killer Whale
- Large Sharks
ThreatsBycatch in tuna purse seines, marine debris, ocean noise pollution
HabitatsWarm-temperate and tropical open oceans, island waters
Life span40–45 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDelphinidae
- SpeciesStenella attenuata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observe from Boats: Maintain a steady vessel speed and direction, allowing dolphins to approach bow waves on their own.
- Watch for Spots: Look for increasing speckling on the belly and sides to distinguish adults from uniform grey juveniles.
- Keep Safe Distance: Avoid swimming toward wild pods to prevent disrupting feeding, resting, or social structures.
Frequent Companion (c) Almcglashan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion (c) ktslash, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Liisa Havukainen, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative Wanax01 / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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