08.09.2017 – Sperm whales open air concert
September 16, 2017
10.09.2017 – 1 Kilo
September 18, 2017
Today we had interessting sightings of marine mammal species, which are unified in their habitat preference of warm and subtropical latitudes. Tropical Whale (already implied in the name), Atlantic spotted dolphin and Rough toothed dolphin. All three cetacean species live in tropical to subtropical waters. Rough toothed dolphins and Tropical whales are cosmopolitan, Atlantic spotted dolphins are restricted to the warmer waters of the Atlantic.
The predilection for a certain area of distribution is certainly related (besides other factors) with the abundance of their prefered food. Rough toothed dolphins favorite prey is dolphinfish (named also as Mahi-Mahi). This fish species is also a favorite one also for the human menu. Dolphinfish is common in tropical and subtropical regions. Their favorite prey in turn is Flying fish. In the sea around Madeira, we have a lot of Flying fish. Dolphinfish is a fast runner. While hunting, it can reach up to 30 miles per hour.
by Astrid Haas
Sightings of the day:
Stenella
12.00: Tropical Whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins and Roughtooth dolphins
18.00: Atlantic spotted dolphins
Ribeira Brava
10.00: Tropical Whales, Seaturtle
15.00: Atlantic spotted dolphins, Seaturtle
