Education Marine Mammal Species Information - Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC)
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
(Stenella frontalis)
The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin can reach a maximum length of 7.5
feet and weigh up to 310 pounds. They are found in pods of anywhere
from 5 to 15 and may form temporary groups of a few hundred. The
Spotted Dolphin closely resembles the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin;
however, the latter tends to be more slender. As the name "spotted
dolphin" suggests, the adult animal is dorsally marked with
numerous greyish-white spots and ventrally with darker spots. They
are frequently seen jumping clear of the water, and riding the bow
wave of moving vessels, though in areas where tuna fishing occur,
some individuals flee from boats. Spotted dolphins are usually found
further offshore than bottlenoses. These dolphin will feed on fish,
squid and other invertebrates. This species of dolphin is thought
to inhabit a range of the Tropical Atlantic but have been found
as far north as Maine and as far south as Columbia.
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