PBS - The Voyage of the Odyssey - Track the Voyage - MALDIVES
Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) are rarely observed at
sea and poorly known compared to most other species.
They are easy to distinguish by the long, narrow beak that blends into the forehead
without a crease. The conical head combined with the large eye gives this species a reptilian appearance.
Photo :
Chris Johnson
Although not as enjoyable as sailing, motoring ensures our progress is constant. We are kept company with daily visits from dolphins. The groups are spectacularly large and usually mixed - comprising pan-tropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata) and spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). The average group size is around 500 animals. However, this morning we awoke to glassy calm conditions and over 1,000 dolphins. The stream of animals porpoising toward us seemed endless - we were totally surrounded. They rode the bow wave for over an hour, spinning, leaping and rolling, always in perfect synchrony so that even when 50 dolphins jostle for prime position ahead of the bow, collisions are masterfully avoided.
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