How Do You Identify A Spotted Dolphin?
The Spotted Dolphin is the second most abundant cetacean living in the world’s oceans, right after its close relative the Bottlenose Dolphin. There are two types of Spotted Dolphin, including the common Pantropical Spotted Dolphin and the rarer Atlantic Spotted Dolphin. Unfortunately, the Spotted Dolphin’s main interaction with humans has been its appearance in tuna fishermen’s nets, which pose a serious threat to the species’ survival. Check the dolphin for spots. As its name implies, the Spotted Dolphin has a sprinkling of spots across its body. The number, size and color of the spots depend on the age and subspecies of the dolphin. Look at the dolphin’s rostrum, or beak. Spotted Dolphins usually have slim, long rostrums with a splash of black or other dark coloring. The beak is also very distinct from the dolphin’s melon, or head. Approximate the dolphin’s length. In comparison to Bottlenose Dolphins, which are rather large, Spotted Dolphins are small and average about 7 feet in len
