Spinner Dolphin

Spinner Dolphin

Stenella longirostris

Least Concern
Sign in to log this

DESCRIPTION

The Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris) is a small, slender dolphin renowned for its acrobatic leaps and spins out of the water. Found in tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide, they typically feed on small mesopelagic fish, squid, and shrimp at night, often diving to considerable depths. During the day, they rest and socialize in large, often fluid, schools, sometimes in shallow coastal waters.

Max Length 2.4 m
Max Weight 95 kg
Lifespan 20 - 26 years
Habitat Seabed, coastal zone, deep water, open water, and coral reef
Depth Range 0 - 600 m
Diet Carnivore
Activity Nocturnal
Social Behavior Schooling
TOP DESTINATIONS

Featured destinations to spot Spinner Dolphin

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely

Other destinations to spot Spinner Dolphin

Range

Where Spinner Dolphin has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Spinner Dolphin

Where can you see the Spinner Dolphin?

The Spinner Dolphin can be seen at 13 dive destinations in Ecuador, Mexico, Maldives, Bahamas, Egypt, and Australia. The best spots include Gordon Rocks (Ecuador), Kicker Rock (Ecuador), Revillagigedo Islands (Mexico), Socorro Islands (Mexico), and Andros Barrier Reef (Bahamas).

What is the best time to see the Spinner Dolphin?

Sightings of the Spinner Dolphin peak at different times depending on the destination: Gordon Rocks from April to October and Kicker Rock from April to October.

Can you see the Spinner Dolphin all year round?

Yes. At Revillagigedo Islands, Socorro Islands, Fuvahmulah, Galapagos Islands, and South Malé Atoll, the Spinner Dolphin is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Spinner Dolphin in Ecuador?

In Ecuador, you can see the Spinner Dolphin at Gordon Rocks, Kicker Rock, Galapagos Islands, and Punta Vicente Roca.

Where can you see the Spinner Dolphin in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can see the Spinner Dolphin at Revillagigedo Islands and Socorro Islands.

Where can you see the Spinner Dolphin in Maldives?

In Maldives, you can see the Spinner Dolphin at Fuvahmulah, South Ari Atoll, and South Malé Atoll.

How big does the Spinner Dolphin get?

The Spinner Dolphin can reach up to 2.4 m in length and 95 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Spinner Dolphin live in?

The Spinner Dolphin is found in these habitats: seabed, coastal zone, deep water, open water, and coral reef.

How deep does the Spinner Dolphin live?

The Spinner Dolphin lives from the surface down to 600 m.

What does the Spinner Dolphin eat?

Feeds on other animals, from fish to crustaceans or molluscs depending on the species.

When is the Spinner Dolphin most active?

Active after dark, resting or hidden away during the day. Night dives are when it comes out.

How long does the Spinner Dolphin live?

The Spinner Dolphin lives 20 to 26 years.

What is the conservation status of the Spinner Dolphin?

The Spinner Dolphin is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Spinner Dolphin. Spotted something that looks off?

Tell us