Dolphins are known as the most intelligent marine animal. The Pacific Spotted Dolphin is also called Stenella attenuate. This species of dolphin can be found mainly in all the world’s tropical oceans. In Costa Rica this dolphin species is commonly found in the South Pacific region around Golfo Dulce.

This sleek, long dolphin has a distinctive coloration: its back is covered in a dark gray patch of skin or ‘saddle’ that spreads from its front all the way past the dorsal fin. Small white spots cover the dark area, and dark spots speckle the creamy white belly. It also has a dark patch over the eyes and several other distinct dark lines on the face and body. The dorsal fin is curved and the flukes and flippers are small and pointed. The size of the spotted dolphin can vary, but individuals in coastal populations tend to be larger. The spots of these dolphins are the key identifying factors of their age.

The size of the spotted dolphin can vary, but individuals in coastal populations tend to be larger. The spots of these dolphins are the key for identifying their age. The Dolphin has a long thin beak. The upper and lower jaws are darkly colored but are separated by thin white “lips”.

This intelligent and beautiful creation is very active in water and often makes large splashy leaps from the sea. It is a common breacher of the water and will often clear the water for a few seconds.

These dolphins can gather in groups of 1,000 or more individuals, especially in offshore populations, but groups of a few hundred are more commonly found. Coastal populations tend to be smaller, numbering 50 or fewer individuals. Spotted dolphin pods include both sexes and all ages, and sometimes they blend schools with other dolphin species as well, such as the spinner dolphin. These agile dolphins can swim up to 28 km/h and may speed next to boats, performing acrobatic leaps.

A female will have one calf every 2 to 3 years, after an 11 -month gestation period. The calf will rely on her milk for 18 months. These dolphins can live for up to 45 years, but thousands are killed every year in nets of men fishing for yellow fin tuna. Because the spotted dolphin’s diet is similar to the one of this tuna, the dolphins are often with them, and sometimes fishermen purposefully follow the dolphins to the tuna-and subsequently pull them in with the catch. In Japan 2,000 spotted dolphins are still intentionally killed every year for food. Pacific Spotted Dolphin’s staple food is squid.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for over 10 years. She has traveled here extensively. Now loves organizing vacations to this amazing part of the world, having first hand experience of all the places with her family. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!