Pantropical spotted ( sp.) Adult length: 2.6m (male) Distribution: Tropical waters (see map below and full list of countries in the Adult weight: up to 120kg (male) detailed species account online at: https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/species/ Newborn: 85cm /unknown spotted-dolphin)

Threats: bycatch Dark grey dorsal fin Habitat: continental shelf, offshore with curved trailing edge Diet: small schooling fish Generally long Dark grey cape slender body Flukes are mottled with IUCN Conservation status: A sharp crease between ragged edges, and point- Pantropical spotted dolphin: Least Concern the beak and the ed tips, and oftern bear forehead : Data Deficient

Individual spotted can be recognised by the nicks and scars on their dorsal fins, through Dark band be- Distinct keel below tail a process called photo-identifica- tween upper jaw Pale grey underside with stock, except on large tion. years. (photos Gianna Min- and eye dark spots on light areas Pale spots on dark males ton/WWF Gabon) area of body – but Long, narrow beak Small, strongly curved flippers with pointed spotting absent on with white tip and some populations white “lips” tips: dark on top and bottom

Fun Facts Atlantic spotted dolphin Adult length: 2.26m (male) Adult weight: up to 140kg (male) Pantropical spotted dolphins often as- Newborn: 90-110cm /unknown sociate with yellowfin tuna, and fisher- men use the dolphins , that are more visible at the surface, to locate tuna. Atlantic spotted dolphins are generally shorter but more Sadly this makes the species vulner- robust than pantropical dol- able to bycatch in fishing operations, phins – with a chunkier body particularly in the Eastern Tropical Pa- and thicker beak. Their colour cific (ETP). pattern progresses over time from unspotted to spotted Offshore herds of pantropical spotted Photo courtesy Chris Johnson dolphins may number in the thou-

Adapted by Nina Lisowski from Jefferson, T.A., Webber, M.A. and Pitman, R.L. (2015). “Marine Not all pan tropical spotted dolphins are spotted. These of the World: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Identification,” 2nd ed. Elsevier, San Diego, CA. Copyright Elsevier: http://www.elsevier.com in the Indian Ocean are recognized more by the shape of their cape (which dips down low un- There are two species of spotted dolphins with tropical ranges that over- der and in front of the dorsal fin) and long slender bod lap in the Atlantic: the Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata), shape than any obvious spotting . Offshore popula- and the Atlantic Spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis). Pantropical spotted tions tend to be more slender than inshore populations dolphins are further divided into two recognized subspecies, the offshore which are more robust. Photo courtesy Chris Johnson spotted dolphin (S.a. attenuata) and the Coastal spotted dolphin (S.a. graffmani).