 | Quick Facts |  |
|  | Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Family: Delphinidae
Genus: Stenella
Species: frontalis
Length: 60 - 96 inches
Weight: 200 lbs
Gestation: 330 - 365 days
Offspring: 1
Life Span: 45 years
| |  |
|
Atlantic Spotted DolphinStenella frontalis Also Called: Gulf Stream Dolphin or Spotted Porpoise |  |
The upper body of the Atlantic spotted dolphin is a dark gray color. This fades to a medium gray on the sides and a light ventral surface. They have a chunky beak with a spot of white on the end. The name of the Atlantic spotted dolphin comes from the spots that develop as the dolphin ages. The older the dolphin, the more spots. Adult females tend to be larger than adult males.
Atlantic spotted dolphins eat many varieties of fish and squid.
Atlantic spotted dolphins are found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. They can also be found in the Indian Ocean and in some parts of the Pacific.
Atlantic spotted dolphins are preyed upon by sharks.
The typical family group of the Atlantic spotted dolphin can consist of 50 individuals but is usually somewhere between 5 and 15. They are very vocal and active at the surface. They will often group with other types of dolphins. It has also been observed that pod of Atlantic spotted dolphins can be formed along lines of gender, age and reproductive status.
Young Atlantic spotted dolphins are born after a gestation period of 11 or 12 months. They have no spots when they are born. They first start to develop spots about the time they are weaned.
They use sonar to aid in navigation and hunting.
|
|
