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  5. Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

(Stenella frontalis)

Identity card

Taxonomy

Order: Odontocetes
Family: Delphinidae
Species: Stenella frontalis

Measurements

1.6 to 2.3 m, weighing 100 to 140 kg

Lifespan

Up to 50 years

IUCN status

Least Concern
(International Red List)

Data Deficient
(Martinique 2020 Red List, Guadeloupe 2022 Red List)

Habitat

Present in the western and south-eastern Atlantic, the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin thrives in tropical waters near the coast and offshore. However, it is little-present in the West Indies and is rather found in the Bahamas where it prefers shallow sandy depths.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproduction of the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin. However, it is known that gestation lasts 11 to 12 months and it gives birth every 3 to 4 years.


Diet

They feed on fish, crustaceans and cephalopods when close to the coast. Offshore, their diet consists more of pelagic fish and squid.

 

Dauphin tacheté de l'atlantique (Stenella frontalis).

Dauphin tacheté de l'atlantique (Stenella frontalis).

Laurent Bouveret / OMMAG

Morphological characteristics for distinction at sea

  • Head: melon/beak demarcation
  • Fins: high sickle-shaped dorsal fin
  • Swim sequence: swims fast, often attracted to fast boats
  • Colouring: light to dark grey coat
Illustration dauphin tacheté de l'atlantique / Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis)

Dauphin tacheté de l'atlantique / Atlantic Spotted Dolphin (Stenella frontalis)

Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité

Did you know?

The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin enjoys the company of other species, especially the Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

 

Banner photo credit: Laurent Bouveret/OMMAG