Dolphins

Species Description  Stenella longirosrtis, spinner dolphins are relatively small, reaching lengths of 6 to 7 feet (2 m) and weighing approximately 130 to 170 pounds (59-77 kg) at adulthood. They have long, slender snouts or beaks. There is a great deal of color variation depending on the region.

Spinner dolphins are best known for their above-water displays of leaping and spinning several times on their body long axis. Leaps can often be done in a series with as many as 14 leaps in a row. Spinner dolphins are sometimes found in associations with bottlenose dolphins or humpback whales in Hawaii, which may benefit one or both species.

Mating and calving occurs year-round, with gestation similar to that of most dolphins, around eleven months. Multiple males may mate with one female in short, consecutive intervals. Lactation often takes place for two years, but can also last for only one year. Calving intervals average three years. Maturity occurs at around 7 years of age and maximum longevity is 20 years.

Spinner dolphins often occur in groups of several hundred to several thousand animals. They are considered quite gregarious, often schooling in large groups and with other dolphin species, such as spotted dolphins.

Spinner dolphins feed primarily at night on mid-water fishes and deep-water squid, while resting for most of the daylight hours.

Habitat The Hawaii population has a more coastal distribution. The animals rest in bays and protected areas during the day and then fuse into larger groups to feed in deeper water on fish and squid at night.

Distribution The species can be found in all tropical and subtropical oceans.