10.10.2026 – An ocean of colors

Our morning started with exciting screams on bord from our guests. The reason? A large pod of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) joined and were leaping high above water, offering us a beautiful show. This playful and highly energetic species often give us incredible memories. They all look different from the spots on their body and the patterns are beautiful to observe. They are not only for the looks but help the researchers for photo-identification.

In the ocean, the range of different patterns and colours have a crucial role for the animals : survival, communication, and species recognition. Several species blend into their surroundings to avoid predators. Countershading is also a tactic : some open-ocean animals will have darker pigmentation on the back and lighter pigmentation on the belly. This will help animals blend in, looking like dark ocean depths from above and bright surface light from below. Some tropical species of fish exhibit bright, high-contrast colours signalling to predators that the animal is toxic, foul-tasting, or dangerous. Other patterns help individuals to recognise members of the same species and help for mating purposes. 

For the cetaceans, countershading is also used to avoid predators. Distinct colour patterns in cetaceans may serve several functions. For example, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) use their long, pale pectoral flippers during surface displays, which may help individuals maintain visual contact and coordinate their movements. Contrasting markings may also aid feeding by disorienting prey or concentrating schools of fish, squid or krill, making them easier to catch. Although studies suggest links between coloration, diet and feeding behaviour, the exact functions of these patterns remain uncertain. 

By Juliette Colançon

Sightings of the day 

Ribeira Brava

09:00 Atlantic spotted dolphin

13:00 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Blainville’s beaked whale, Bottlenose dolphin

Steno 

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin

13:30 Atlantic spotted dolphin, Blainville’s beaked whale, Bottlenose dolphin