Spinner Dolphin

Spinner dolphins inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans between roughly 40°N and 40°S. Different populations occupy offshore waters, continental coasts, islands, reefs, sandy bays, and coral atolls, often gathering where currents or water masses concentrate food. Their slender, streamlined bodies vary geographically, although many have a dark-gray back, lighter-gray sides, and pale underside. Adult measurements differ among regional forms, with lengths of about 1.29–2.16 metres and recorded masses of 23–80 kilograms (Animal Diversity Web).

These dolphins are highly social and are famous for spectacular spinning leaps, although they also perform other aerial movements that may aid communication or remove parasites. Some populations rest together in sheltered shallow water by day before moving offshore to hunt at night. Their prey includes lanternfish and other mesopelagic fishes, squid, and crustaceans, which may be pursued during dives reaching approximately 400 metres. Gestation lasts about 10.6 months, and females generally produce calves at intervals of roughly three years (Animal Diversity Web).