Conservation
Scientific Classification
Order | Artiodactyla |
Infraorder | Cetacea |
Family | Delphinidae |
Genus | Stenella |
Binomial name | Stenella longirostis |
Range Map
Description
The spinner dolphin is named for its aerobatics. They are fast swimmers and are known to bow-ride. The spinner dolphin can spin up to seven times in the air before re-entering the water.
Spinner dolphins are slender weighing between 130-180 lb. They grow from 4.3-7.9 ft (1.3-2.4m). They have a color pattern that is three-toned with a dark stripe from the eye to the flipper.
They have a long beak with a dark tip and a sloping melon. Some males have a forward0leaning dorsal fin which is tall and erect.
The spinner dolphin was the second most affected dolphin by tuna fishing after the Pantropical spotted dolphin.