Scientific Name: Stenella attenuata
Other Names: White-spotted dolphin, Bridled dolphin, Slender beaked dolphin
Length: 5.8-7.5 ft. (1.7-2 m.)
Weight: 200-255 lbs. (90-115 kg.)
Teeth: 140-190

Pantropical spotted dolphins vary greatly in shape, size, and color. There are currently two major forms of this dolphin. One lives in coastal waters and the other in offshore waters. The offshore form is usually less robust, smaller, and has less spots. Not all spotted dolphins have spots. Newborn pantropical spotted dolphins are born without spots and gain their spots as they reach maturity. There are also some populations that do not possess spots, even in adulthood. Pantropical spotted dolphins are very active animals. They swim quickly, lobtail, bowride, and frequently breach. These dolphins often associate with whitefin tuna, therefore, many fishermen seek out these dolphins to catch the tuna. Unfortunately, in many cases, these dolphins are also caught in the nets with the tuna.