CMS species page
The Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis)
© R. Bettencourt / ImagDOP
The Atlantic spotted dolphin (
Stenella frontalis
) owns its name to its
spotted colour pattern. However, degree of spotting varies
geographically and with age. This species is endemic to warm temperate
and tropical waters (ca. 45 N to 35 S) of the Atlantic Ocean and is
found in both coastal and pelagic regions. Atlantic spotted dolphins
are relatively small, reaching between 1.7 and 2.3 m, and weighing 100
to 143 kg. The diet of spotted dolphins includes squids and small
pelagic fishes, in addition to some benthic invertebrates. It may
include more cephalopods than that of the common dolphins, as well as
some echinoderms. Spotted dolphins are generally found in pods
consisting between 5 and 20 individuals, but can form groups of a few
dozens or even hundreds of individuals. Groups have often been
observed to be segregated by age and sex. Females display strong bonds
to females of similar reproductive status, and strong associations
between males have also been documented. Females become sexually
mature from about 8-9 years and on average calve every 3
years. Weaning of calves usually occurs at 2-4 years of age.
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