Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Atlantic Spotted Dolphins are distinguished by their dynamic spotting patterns that evolve with age, showcasing a range of from virtually unspotted juveniles to heavily spotted adults. This variation in spotting is not just a unique aesthetic trait but serves as a visual indicator of the dolphin’s age and maturity, contributing to their identification and study in the wild. They thrive in the tropical to warm temperate waters of the Atlantic, preferring environments that balance between the open ocean and the shallower coastal areas, which influences their group dynamics and social structures.

Typically, these dolphins form medium to large groups, which vary significantly in size depending on their proximity to shore and the availability of food resources, indicating a flexible social structure that adapts to the changing oceanic conditions and prey availability. This adaptability is key to their survival, allowing them to exploit different ecological niches within their Atlantic habitat.

Quick facts

Length

Adults: 2,3m

Calves: 1,2m

Weight

Adults: 140 kg

Calves: 15 kg

Habits

Dive Time

2-4 mins

Dive Depth

<60m

Reproduction

<50 years

Life Span:

11-12 mths

Gestation period:

Physical characteristics

Group Structure

Atlantic spotted dolphins display a versatile group structure, adjusting to environmental and social demands. Groups typically range up to 50 individuals but vary significantly depending on factors like proximity to shore. Coastal groups tend to be smaller, possibly due to resource availability or predator pressure, while offshore pods can be vast, sometimes comprising hundreds. Age and sex segregation within these pods optimize social roles and interactions, though this structure remains flexible, shaped by environmental conditions and social bonds. This adaptability underscores the complexity of Atlantic spotted dolphins’ social dynamics and the significance of their interactions.

Dive sequence

@Georgina Cabayol

Behavior & Feeding

Socializing +

Atlantic Spotted Dolphins are highly social creatures, engaging in intricate vocalizations and physical interactions that facilitate strong social bonds within their groups. Their communication repertoire includes a wide range of sounds, from clicks and whistles to more complex sequences, allowing for sophisticated interaction and coordination among pod members. These behaviors are not just for communication; they also play a crucial role in maintaining social structures and hierarchies within the pod.

Resting +

While specific details on their resting behavior are not provided, like many cetaceans, Atlantic Spotted Dolphins likely have periods of lower activity where they engage in slow swimming or floating at or near the surface. This behavior allows them to rest while still maintaining some level of vigilance for predators or other threats.

Foraging & Diet +

Their diet is diverse, consisting of small to large fish and squid, indicative of their opportunistic feeding strategies. Atlantic Spotted Dolphins employ a variety of foraging techniques, including the use of echolocation to locate prey and complex hunting strategies like herding fish into tight balls or searching the seabed. This versatility in feeding ensures they can exploit a range of prey types, adapting their methods based on availability and environmental conditions.

Predators

Atlantic spotted dolphins’ most common predators include sharks and killer whales. This species may also be preyed upon by other species of blackfish. Being one of the smallest dolphin species in the Atlantic Ocean, it can be somewhat more susceptible to predation, hence often relying on “strength in numbers” in order to deter potential predatory attempts.

David Rodrigues | Atlantic Spotted Dolphin photo Azores

https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/species/spotted-dolphin

Distribution & Movements

As the name implies, the Atlantic spotted dolphin occurs in tropical to warm waters in the Atlantic Ocean, in both hemispheres, between c. 50ºN and 33ºS. In the west, this species can be found from, at least, southern Brazil, all the way up to New England, although this distribution is discontinuous. In the east, these animals can be found from at least Gabon, up until Mauritania. They can also be found around oceanic islands, such as the Azores and the Bahamas. Present in the Gulf of Mexico, a marginal sea, but absent from the Mediterranean. The heavily spotted form is generally found within the continental shelf, whereas the lightly spotted form is less common in nearshore waters, although exceptions exist.

Occurrence of this species in the Azores is seasonal, and contingent on water temperatures. However, it is yet somewhat unclear where exactly these animals come from. They might be part of the offshore, lightly spotted, morphotype, also present in other archipelagos such as the Canary islands, or western North Atlantic oceanic waters, although this possibility is still being studied.

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual Maturity

8-12 years
Males reach sexual maturity at approximately 12 years of age, while females become sexually mature earlier, between 8 and 11 years.

Gestation Period

11 to 12 months
Reflects a significant investment in each offspring, which is typical for cetaceans. This period allows for the full development of the calf in utero, ensuring it is well-prepared for life in the ocean.

Number of Calves

Every 2-3 years
Females typically give birth to a single calf every 2-3 years, a frequency that balances the demands of nursing and care with the need for population maintenance.

Suckling Period & Nursing

Up to 5 years
The calves gradually transition to solid food over time. This extended period of maternal care is essential for calf development, providing both nutrition and necessary socialization within the pod.

Lifespan

50 years or more
This longevity contributes to the species’ complex social structures and allows for the accumulation of knowledge and experience within pods.

Mating Strategy

Polygamous mating system
Both males and females may have multiple partners throughout their lives. This strategy contributes to genetic diversity within populations and reflects the complex social dynamics of dolphin communities.

Species in the Azores

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

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Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

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Bryde’s Whale

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Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

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Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

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Nothern Bottlenose Whale

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Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

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Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

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Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

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Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

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Sei Whale

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Third-largest whale species on Earth, fast swimmers and deep-divers.

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Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

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Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

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Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

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Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

Notable for their striking body patterns and acrobatic prowess.

Striped Dolphin

Stenella coeruleoalba

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Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

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Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

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Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

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False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

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Sowerby’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon bidens

Sowerby’s Beaked Whales are elusive denizens of the North Atlantic, recognized by their slender beaks and distinctive forehead bulges.

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Mesoplodon bidens

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Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

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Dragoeiro

Dracaena draco

Dragoeiro

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Sanguinho

Frangula azorica

Sanguinho

Frangula azorica

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Gingeira Brava

Prunus azorica

Gingeira Brava

Prunus azorica

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Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

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Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Elusive deep-divers known for their unique foraging behavior.

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

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Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent and social creatures, famous for their playful behavior and remarkable cognitive abilities.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

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Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

Large groups of common dolphins, whipping the ocean's surface into a froth, are a familiar and thrilling sight in many parts of the world.

Common Dolphin

Delphinus delphis

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Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Noted for extraordinary deep-diving, setting mammalian records in depth and duration

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

View profile

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

Despite its name, the false killer whale belongs taxonomically to the dolphin family and it often behaves more like one of its energetic and sprightly smaller relatives.

False Killer Whale

Pseudorca crassidens

View profile

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

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Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

Orcas are the apex predators of the marine world, known for their distinctive black and white coloring and complex social structures.

Orca (Killer Whale)

Orcinus orca

View profile

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Highly social, intelligent & deep divers.

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

View profile

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

Risso's dolphin is renowned for its heavily scarred appearance and significant size among species referred to as dolphins.

Risso’s Dolphin

Grampus griseus

View profile

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue whales are the largest animals in the world and can easily be detected from a great distance.

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

View profile

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

The Bryde's whale live in the tropical waters, are agile filter feeders and love to perform acrobatic displays.

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

View profile

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

The second-largest whales, swift and streamlined ocean roamers.

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

View profile

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

Melodic giants with acrobatic displays, known for their haunting songs and intricate social behaviors. Know more!

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae

View profile

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Agile mid-sized baleen whales, known for their elusive nature.

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

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Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Third-largest whale species on Earth, fast swimmers and deep-divers.

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

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Whale Watching Azores Essentials

Explore, Love, and Protect: Unveiling the essence of Whale Watching in the Azores

More information

Explore Azores

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Stenella Frontalis

Highly social, with distinct spots and a wide range of complex behaviors and vocalizations.

Quick facts

Length

Weight

Habits

Reproduction

Reproduction

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least Concern <img width="21" height="26" class="graphics-design-i" src="/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tooltip-more-info-futurismo.svg"> Common and widespread, low vulnerability.

Physical characteristics

Group Structure

Dive sequence

Behavior & Feeding

Predators

Distribution & Movements

Reproduction & Life History

Sexual Maturity

Gestation Period

Number of Calves

Suckling Period & Nursing

Lifespan

Mating Strategy

Species in the Azores

Sighting frequency

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Sighting frequency

BY SPECIES

Species

Departure Points

Dates

Related Scientific Articles

González, L. (2018): Spatio-temporal distribution of the order Cetacea in the Azores: relationship between biotic and abiotic variables

Fernandez, M. (2009): Differences in spatial distribution of two small delphinids in two islands of the Azores Archipelago

González, L. et al (2014): Temporal and spatial distribution of common dolphins off São Miguel

González, L. et al (2014): Assessing the distribution of Atlantic spotted dolphins off São Miguel

Sousa, A. et al (2021): Climate change vulnerability of cetaceans in Macaronesia

Sousa, B. et al (2009): Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of Delphinus delphis and Stenella frontalis in São Miguel Island, Azores

Al Abbar, F. et al (2019): Observations of a leucistic Cory’s Shearwater off São Miguel Island

Specimen that you can see in Azores sea

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Blue Whale

Balaenoptera musculus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Sperm Whale

Physeter macrocephalus

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Bryde’s Whale

Balaenoptera edeni

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Fin Whale

Balaenoptera physalus

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Nothern Bottlenose Whale

Hyperoodon ampullatus

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Pilot Whale (Long & Short-finned)

Globicephala melas | Globicephala macrorhynchus

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Blainville’s Beaked Whale

Mesoplodon densirostris

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Sei Whale

Balaenoptera borealis

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Least Concern

Common and widespread, low vulnerability.