Stenella longirostris
1.7m
0-4330m
7 sites
Spinner Dolphins are easily identified by their slender bodies and long, thin beaks. Their colouration is typically a dark grey back, lighter grey sides, and a pale grey or white belly. The most distinctive feature, of course, is their spinning behaviour when leaping from the water, often performing multiple rotations in a single jump. Their falcate (sickle-shaped) dorsal fin is also a key identifier, as is their relatively small size compared to other dolphin species.
Delphinidae
Imagine gliding through the crystal-clear waters of the Eastern Pacific, Hawaii, or the Red Sea, when suddenly, a pod of acrobatic dolphins appears, spinning and leaping with unmatched grace. These are Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris), and encountering them is a truly unforgettable experience! Reaching up to 2.4 meters in length, these charismatic creatures are renowned for their aerial displays, spinning along their longitudinal axis as they launch from the water. Their sleek bodies and playful nature make them a favourite among divers and snorkellers. While they inhabit depths down to 4330m, you're most likely to encounter them in shallower, epipelagic zones near the surface, where they come to feed and socialize. Keep your eyes peeled for their distinctive spinning behaviour – it's a spectacle you won't want to miss!
Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin
1 sites
