Atlantic spotted dolphin
Stenella frontalis
biology
Newborn Atlantic spotted dolphins are about 0.8 m to 1.2 m long. Adults can grow up to 2.3 m in length and weigh up to 145 kg. They typically possess 30 to 42 pairs of teeth in each jaw. Their lifespan is estimated to be over 30 years.
This species is robustly built and features a complex coloration pattern that changes significantly with age. Calves are born completely unspotted and look very much like small, slim Bottlenose dolphins. At around two years of age, dark spots begin to appear on their bellies; as they mature, spotting increases until the body is covered in a dense pattern of dark spots on the belly and light spots on the back as they mature, spotting increases until the body is covered in a dense pattern of dark spots on the belly and light spots on the back. The beak is medium-length and often features a distinctive white tip, which is very visible as they surface. Their dorsal fin is tall and strongly falcate, typically remaining less spotted than the rest of the body.
Atlantic spotted dolphins are highly energetic and acrobatic, known for their high-speed bow-riding and spectacular leaps. They feed primarily on small fish (like Atlantic mackerel) and cephalopods, typically making shallow dives of up to 60 min. Socially, they live in groups of 10 to 50 individuals, though they often merge into massive schools. Mothers nurse their calves for up to three years, maintaining a strong bond during the young dolphin's unspotted years.
This species is robustly built and features a complex coloration pattern that changes significantly with age. Calves are born completely unspotted and look very much like small, slim Bottlenose dolphins. At around two years of age, dark spots begin to appear on their bellies; as they mature, spotting increases until the body is covered in a dense pattern of dark spots on the belly and light spots on the back as they mature, spotting increases until the body is covered in a dense pattern of dark spots on the belly and light spots on the back. The beak is medium-length and often features a distinctive white tip, which is very visible as they surface. Their dorsal fin is tall and strongly falcate, typically remaining less spotted than the rest of the body.
Atlantic spotted dolphins are highly energetic and acrobatic, known for their high-speed bow-riding and spectacular leaps. They feed primarily on small fish (like Atlantic mackerel) and cephalopods, typically making shallow dives of up to 60 min. Socially, they live in groups of 10 to 50 individuals, though they often merge into massive schools. Mothers nurse their calves for up to three years, maintaining a strong bond during the young dolphin's unspotted years.
observation
This species is restricted to the tropical and warm temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Azores represent the Northern limit of their distribution, as they are rarely seen in colder waters further north.
Identification Tips: They are most commonly confused with juvenile Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) due to their similar robust shape before the spots appear. However, even a large adult spotted dolphin is much smaller than an adult Bottlenose. They can also be confused with the Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), but the latter is slimmer, with a more demarcated "cape" and has not yet been formally recorded in the Azores.
In the archipelago, they are seasonal visitors whose arrival is strictly linked to water temperature. They typically appear when the sea surface reaches 19–20°C. While some may arrive in May, they are most frequent from late June to October, with a massive peak in July and August. During this time, they are the most frequently sighted dolphin species, often delighting observers with their curiosity and aerial displays.
Identification Tips: They are most commonly confused with juvenile Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) due to their similar robust shape before the spots appear. However, even a large adult spotted dolphin is much smaller than an adult Bottlenose. They can also be confused with the Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), but the latter is slimmer, with a more demarcated "cape" and has not yet been formally recorded in the Azores.
In the archipelago, they are seasonal visitors whose arrival is strictly linked to water temperature. They typically appear when the sea surface reaches 19–20°C. While some may arrive in May, they are most frequent from late June to October, with a massive peak in July and August. During this time, they are the most frequently sighted dolphin species, often delighting observers with their curiosity and aerial displays.
names
PT: Golfinho-pintado-do-atlântico
AÇORES: Toninha-pintada
ENG: Atlantic spotted dolphin
FR: Dauphin tacheté de l’Atlantique
DE: Atlantischer Fleckendelfin
IT: Stenella maculata atlantica
ESP: Delfín moteado del Atlántico
NL: Atlantische vlekdolfijn
AÇORES: Toninha-pintada
ENG: Atlantic spotted dolphin
FR: Dauphin tacheté de l’Atlantique
DE: Atlantischer Fleckendelfin
IT: Stenella maculata atlantica
ESP: Delfín moteado del Atlántico
NL: Atlantische vlekdolfijn
Scientific name
Stenella frontalis
Discovery
Cuvier, 1829