Dolphin Feature - the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

The Spotted Porpoise; The Gulf Stream Spotted Dolphin; The Long-snouted Dolphin; The Spotter and the Bridled Dolphin. These are all names that have also been given to the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin.

J.E. Gray, a scientist discovered the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin, in 1866. Its scientific name, Stenella fontalis, roughly means "narrow head." This reference was given due to the narrow beak that is typical of the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin.

The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin is relatively small. With an average adult length of 5 to 7 feet for the males and 5.5 to 7.5 feet for the females, these dolphins rank as one of the five smallest. The average weight of the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin ranges from 140 to 200 pounds, and may vary depending upon length, sex, and habitat. Newborn Atlantic Spotted Dolphins are very small, approximately 25 to 30 inches, and weigh only 50 to 75 pounds. Although the newborns grow quickly, their small size makes them prey to larger aquatic animals, such as sharks and Orca.

As previously stated, these dolphins have various names given to them due to their appearance. For example, the "Long-snouted dolphin" refers to the slender, long head and snout that is typical for this species. The "Gulf Stream Spotted Dolphin" as well as the more common name, "Atlantic Spotted dolphin," both refer to the various collection of spots that appear on the body of the dolphin as it matures. It is not uncommon to name an animal, or any species, on appearance or location. The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin has been blessed with both.

As other species, the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin lives in pods, which contain anywhere from 5 to 20 members. At times, these pods will form larger groups, which can number in the hundreds. However, during the early spring (April), the groups may also "join" to form a herd with numbers in the thousands. It is thought that these "herds" are very rare, and only occur during hardships such as food shortages.

The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin's diet includes various fish and squid. Due to their diet, the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin has fallen prey to bycatch and fishing net entanglement, leading to unnatural deaths.

The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin is very common in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the US, the Gulf of Mexico, and surrounding the Bahamas. Dolphin watching tours are very productive in any of these areas, and spotting this species is very likely.

It has been said that the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin is one of the many "indicator species," meaning that their presence indicates conditions of the environment. If the species thrives and the numbers increase, the environment is in good health. But, on the other hand, if their numbers decrease, or the dolphins are not plentiful in any given area, problems with pollution, over-fishing, or over population may be present.

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