Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Taxobox
name = Atlantic Spotted DolphinMSW3 Cetacea|id=14300090]
status = DD
status_system = iucn3.1
status_ref =IUCN2008|assessors=HammondHammond, P.S., Bearzi, G., Bjørge, A., Forney, K., Karczmarski, L., Kasuya, T., Perrin, W.F., Scott, M.D., Wang, J.Y., Wells, R.S. & Wilson, B.|year=2008|id=20732|title=Stenella frontalis|downloaded=7 October 2008]

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image2_width = 250px
image2_caption = Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Bahamas
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Mammalia
subclassis = Eutheria
ordo = Cetacea
subordo = Odontoceti
familia = Delphinidae
genus = "Stenella"
species = "S. frontalis"
binomial = "Stenella frontalis"
binomial_authority = Cuvier, 1829
synonyms ="Stenella plagiodon" Cope, 1866
range_

range_map_width = 250px
range_map_caption = Atlantic Spotted Dolphin rangeThe Atlantic Spotted Dolphin ("Stenella frontalis") is a dolphin found in the Gulf Stream of the North Atlantic Ocean. Older members of the species have a very distinctive spotted coloration all over their body.

Taxonomy

The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin was first identified by Cuvier in 1828. There is considerable variation in the physical form of individuals in the species and specialists have long been uncertain as to the correct taxonomic classification. Currently just one species is recognised, however it is quite possible that a large, particularly spotty variant commonly found near Florida may be classified as a formal subspecies or indeed a species in its own right.

Description

The coloring of the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin varies enormously as they grow.Calves are a fairly uniform grey colour. When the calves are weaned, they then begin to get their spots. Juveniles have some dark spots on their belly, and white spots of their flanks. Their back and dorsal fin are a darker grey than the rest of the body. As the animal matures the spots became denser and spread until the body appears black with white spots at full maturation.

The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin has a 3-part coloration::Dark gray back, lighter sides, and a white belly.

Measurements at Birth::Length: about 35"-43" (90-110 cm):Weight: unavailable

Maximum Measurments::Length:::Male 7'5" (2.26 m)::Female 7'6" (2.29 m):Weight:::Male 310 lb. (140 kg)::Female 290 lb. (130 kg)

These dolphins are a middle sized dolphin in both length and weight.At full size South American Spotted Dolphins are about 2.2-2.5 m in length. Compared to their much smaller pantropical spotted dolphin, the Atlantic spotted dolphin is more robust. It lives in common waters with the pantropical spotted dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin.

In common with other species in its genus the Atlantic Spotted is a gregarious creature. It is a fast swimmer, keen bow-rider and prone to acrobatic aerial displays.

Population and distribution

The species is endemic to the temperate and tropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean. It has been widely observed in the western end of the Gulf Stream, between Florida and Bermuda. It is also present in the Gulf of Mexico. More infrequent sightings have been made further east, off the Azores and Canary Islands. Northerly sightings have been made as far north as Cape Cod across to the south-western tip of Spain. They are certainly present further south too as far as Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil and across to west Africa. However the distribution is poorly understood in these areas.

About 20 years ago, there were only about 80 dolphins in the Bahamas. Now, 20 years later, there are almost 200 dolphins there. On account of their similar appearance to other dolphins in their range it is difficult to be sure of the Atlantic Spotted Dolphin's population. A conservative estimate is around 100,000 individuals.

Human interaction

Some Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, particularly some of those are around The Bahamas have become habituated to human contact. In these areas cruises to watch and even swim with the dolphins are common.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphins are an occasional target of harpoon fishermen and every year some creatures are trapped and killed in gillnets. However these activities are not currently believed to be threatening the survival of the species. This species lives in the mesopelagic layer of the ocean

References

*"Whales Dolphins and Porpoises", Mark Carwardine, Dorling Kindersley Handbooks, ISBN 0-7513-2781-6
*"National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World", Reeves, Stewart, Clapham and Powell,and there is no characteristics for survival. ISBN 0-375-41141-0
* Perrin, William F. (2002). " [http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Biology/VHAYSSEN/msi/default.html Stenella frontalis] ". "Mammalian Species" (702):1–6.

External links

* [http://www.wdcs.org: Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society]