Rough-toothed Dolphin
(Steno bredanensis)
Identity card
Taxonomy
Order: Odontocetes
Family: Delphinidae
Species: Steno bredanensis
Measurements
2 to 2.8 m, weighing 90 to 160 kg
Lifespan
Between 32 and 48 years
IUCN status
Least Concern
Habitat
It generally lives offshore and in warm (over 25°C) waters no deeper than 1,500 m.
Reproduction
Scientists have little information on the reproduction of the Rough-toothed Dolphin. It is only known that sexual maturity is reached between the ages of 10 and 14 years.
Diet
Carnivore feeding on fish and cephalopods.
Sténo rostré (Steno bredanensis) rencontré au large de Saint-François en Guadeloupe.
Franck Mazéas
Sténo rostré (Steno bredanensis) rencontré au large de Saint-François en Guadeloupe.
Franck Mazéas
Event fermé de Sténo (Steno bredanensis).
Laurent Bouveret / OMMAG
Event fermé de Sténo (Steno bredanensis).
Laurent Bouveret / OMMAG
Morphological characteristics for distinction at sea
- Head: conical shape, slightly domed melon, no demarcation between melon and rostrum
- Fins and flippers: prominent sickle-shaped dorsal fin with a central location and often with scars, long and slightly curved pectoral fins
- Swim sequence: never leaps when swimming, often very close together in groups, often with the beak tip and chin above the surface
- Colouring: darker cape, seen easier close-up and paler lateral region, genital area often pink, body may be covered with scars and white spots on the belly.
Click on the link to see the Rough-toothed Dolphin in 3D:
Sténo rostré / Rough-toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Sténo rostré / Rough-toothed Dolphin (Steno bredanensis)
Maël Dewynter / CARI'MAM / Office français de la biodiversité
Did you know?
Steno is Greek and means narrow, referring to the unusual shape of its beak.
Banner photo credit: Pierre Riboulon - Mayotte Découverte