Pantropical Spotted Dolphin

The pantropical spotted dolphin is a slender dolphin with a long beak, curved dorsal fin and spotting that increases with age. Calves are unspotted; adults develop light spots on the dark back and dark spots on paler flanks and belly. A dark cape and eye-to-flipper stripe aid identification (NOAA Fisheries; specialist cetacean guide).

It is widespread in tropical and subtropical oceans and forms groups ranging from a few animals to hundreds. Small fish, squid and crustaceans are taken in surface and deeper waters, and groups may associate with spinner dolphins. Populations differ in coastal and offshore form (NOAA Fisheries). It is Nationally Endangered (Thailand Red Data 2025).