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Dolphin swimming and breaking the surface of the ocean.
Dolphin jumping out of the water in the ocean under a clear sky.
A dolphin surfaces in calm, rippling ocean waters.
Two dolphins swimming in clear blue ocean water.

Spotted Dolphin

General Information
Life Span
Uncertain (beyond 35 years)
Occurrence in Faro
Spring & Summer
Pod Composition
50-100 animals
Max Speed
unknown
Max Size
2.3m
Sightings
Very Rare
Diet
Small fish and cephalopods
Dive
40–60 m, up to 6 min
Two dolphins swimming in clear blue ocean water.
A pod of dolphins swimming in the ocean on a clear day.
Dolphin swimming and breaking the surface of the ocean.
A dolphin surfaces in calm, rippling ocean waters.

SPOTTED DOLPHIN

Stenella frontalis

The Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) is a medium-sized dolphin distinguished by its unique spotted pattern, which becomes more prominent as individuals age. Calves are usually born almost unspotted, and the number and size of spots increase gradually throughout life, covering the body, flanks, and sometimes the dorsal fin. This highly social species typically forms large groups of 50–100 animals and may associate with other dolphin species. It inhabits warm temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, feeding mainly on fish and squid. These dolphins are active and agile, frequently leaping and performing acrobatics at the surface. In Portugal, sightings are rare along the continental coast, and relatively little is known about their local populations.

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