27.10.2022 – Thick tooth

Today we found Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) inmids the waves, which accompanied us with long jumps. These outgoing little dolphins have a penchant for riding in the bow wave of the boat.

We left the Atlantic spotted dolphins to make our way to another marine mammal species, a very rare visitor to our waters. What a nice surprise for our guests and crew. False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) moved very dynamically along the shoreline. Their long, slender, dark body cut through the waves. This species is the third-largest species of dolphin.

False killer whales, also called Pseudo orca, have a very strong group cohesion and are extremely social. They are often found with other marine mammal species. Also today, some Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) accompanied them. However, they don’t show up very well. Pseudorca crassidens is the scientific name of Pseudo orcas and means “thick tooth”. When you see their huge, cone-shaped teeth, you can understand why she got their name. They usually feed on squid and various species of fish. Their menu includes tuna, sailfish, mahi-mahi and wahoo. But it also happens that smaller dolphin species are among their prey. Their daily prey is thought to be five percent of their own body weight (1-2 tons). When hunting, the group works together and shares their prey.

Today’s two tours with Stenella and Ribeira Brava were blessed with a wonderful, dynamic and outstanding experience for all guests and the crew. Once again we were gifted in a very special way by the sea and its inhabitants.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Pseudo Orca

Stenella

10:00 Pseudo Orca, Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins