The Habitat of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins

Atlantic spotted dolphins have spotted patterns on their bodies that grow in number with age. They are born without spots, but the spots begin to appear by age four. They are often mistaken for other species of dolphins, such as spinning dolphins, because the number of spots on their bodies varies. They live in warm water and travel in family groups. Their habitat consists of tropical waters along coastlines where they stay active, jumping and playing in the water and hunting for small fish.

  1. Habitat

    • Atlantic spotted dolphins are found along the Gulf coast and southeastern coast of the United States. Spotted dolphins are also sometimes seen in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They live in tropical, warm waters on the continental shelf along coastlines and shallow water located over sand flats. Atlantic spotted dolphins inhabit waters from 65 to 820 feet.

    Behavior

    • In their habitat, Atlantic spotted dolphins travel in family packs that usually consist of fewer than 50 animals, though small groups of 6-10 are common. Within the packs, the dolphins are separated by age and gender. They mature between 8 and 15 years of age and start reproducing. The young nurse for 1-5 years. The Atlantic spotted dolphin makes loud sounds, such as chirps, whistles and squawks, when it gets excited or senses danger. They also use these sounds to "talk" to each other. Atlantic spotted dolphins also help each other care for their young and fiercely protect pregnant females.

    Feeding Habits

    • Atlantic spotted dolphins dive deep into the water, searching for food. They usually dive 30 feet into the water, holding their breath for up to 10 minutes. Spotted dolphins eat small fish such as herring and flounder, invertebrates, squid and octopus. They often hunt for food in groups, coordinating their movements to capture prey. Their 30 pairs of teeth make it easy for them to hold onto their prey. Atlantic spotted dolphins occasionally use their beaks to dig in the sand on the ocean floor, hunting for hidden fish. These dolphins do most of their hunting at night.

    Dangers

    • Atlantic spotted dolphins face some dangers in their natural habitat. These dolphins are playful and tend to approach large boats, making injuries possible. They are sometimes harpooned and captured as food and bait illegally by fisherman. Spotted dolphins are also captured accidentally in nets, where they are killed or injured. There is a lot of pollution in their habitat, poisoning their natural environment. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.