Fauna
Mammal

Spinner Dolphin

Stenella longirostris

Also known as Long-Snouted Dolphin, Roller Dolphin

Spinner dolphins are renowned for their high-leaping aerial spins, rotating up to seven times in a single leap before splashing back into the ocean. They hunt deep-water fish and squid at night, returning to shallow, sheltered bays during the day to rest, socialize, and nurse their calves. Their distinct three-toned coloration and long, slender beak make them recognizable residents of tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.

AcrobaticOceanicSocial
Spinner Dolphin reference1 / 7
(c) Liisa Havukainen, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMesopelagic Fish, Squid, Shrimp
Predators
  • Tiger Shark
  • Killer Whale
  • False Killer Whale
ThreatsBycatch in fisheries, boat strikes, acoustic pollution, and tourism disturbance
HabitatsTropical and subtropical offshore waters, coastal bays, and oceanic basins
Life span20–25 years
Classification
  1. OrderCetacea
  2. FamilyDelphinidae
  3. GenusStenella
  4. SpeciesStenella longirostris
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe from a vessel at a respectful distance.
What to notice
Recognize by the slender body, tripartite color pattern with a dark grey cape, light grey sides, and dark long beak.
Support conservation
Maintain at least 50 meters distance, never attempt to swim with resting pods, and reduce vessel speed near shorelines.
Responsible observation
  • Observation Distance: Keep boats at least 50 meters away and avoid steering directly into or through a dolphin pod.
  • Resting Protocol: Refrain from swimming with or making loud noises near coastal resting pods during daytime hours.
  • Vessel Speed: Maintain a slow, predictable speed without sudden directional changes when dolphins bow-ride.
Related species
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