12.09.2021 – Two species?

Today, the process of deciding whether we could go out took quite a while. Rain hung over the sea. In the end, however, we went out to sea with our traditional fishing boat. And we were successful, not far from the harbor, there was a large school of the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). They were in a good mood and accompanied us with nimble leaps. In a short sequence, they really gave speed. Before the animals could be photographed in the air, they were submerged again. The splashing water remained at the point of immersion.

One guest wondered if we were dealing with two species here. Well, the assumption could be obvious, because young animals and adult dolphins show differences. If you look at our title picture, you can see the differences between young and old very well. Young Spotted dolphins do not yet have spots. By around two years of age, this species of dolphin develops darker spots on the ventral side and lighter spots on the sides and back. The stains on the body increase with age. Old animals have a beautiful grain.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sighting of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins