Atlantic spotted dolphin  (Stenella frontalis)

Description

Often observed in the clear, shallow waters surrounding the Bahamas, the Atlantic spotted dolphin is said to be an intermediate in appearance between the bottlenose dolphin and pantropical spotted dolphin (4). Its sturdy body is light grey, with a dark grey ‘cape’ on the back, and a white belly (4). A light streak extends up the shoulder, ending just below the dorsal fin, one feature which differentiates this species from the similar pantropical spotted dolphin (2). As the name suggests, many individuals are patterned with spots, although not all. All calves are unspotted (4), but some will develop spots as they age, with a number of dolphins becoming so heavily spotted they appear white from a distance (2). The beak of the Atlantic spotted dolphin is fairly long and sharply demarcated from the melon, and the dorsal fin is tall and sickle-shaped. Atlantic spotted dolphins inhabiting the far-offshore waters of the Gulf Stream can be smaller and completely unspotted, even as adults (2).

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