| As its common name suggests, the pantropical spotted dolphin is a spotted dolphin that occurs in tropical waters around the world. It is one of the species that fisherman tend to follow as a means of finding yellowfin tuna, which swim with them. Consequently, millions of these dolphins have been killed after becoming entangled in fishing nets. An international effort has reduced the danger in recent years by introducing dolphin-rescue techniques, limiting the accidental kill to a few thousand each year. Why the dolphins and tuna associate is unknown.
Also known as:
Spotter, Spotted Porpoise, Delfin Manchado
Length:
Range:
1.6-2.6 m males; 1.7-2.5 m females
Weight:
Range:
up to 119 Kg
References:
Gray, J. E., 1846. On the cetaceous animals. Pp. 13-53, in The zoology of the voyage of H.M.S. Erebus and Terror, under the command of Capt. Sir J. C. Ross, R. N., F. R. S., during the years 1839 to 1843 (Sir J. Richardson and J. E. Gray, eds.) [1844-1875], 1:44. E. W. Janson, London, 2 vols.
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
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