Identification of Species
Tucuxi
One of the smallest of all cetaceans, found in shallow coastal waters and rivers; there is great colour variation between individuals and populations.
Short-snouted spinner dolphin
Has a dark grey or black dorsal cape and shorter, slightly stubbier beak than the long-snouted spinner dolphin; sometimes spins longitudinally when breaching, though rarely leaps high.
Long-snouted spinner dolphin
One of the most acrobatic of all cetaceans and well known for its spectacular aerial displays; there are many different varieties of this species.
Atlantic hump-backed dolphin
Very similar to the Indo-Pacific hump-backed dolphin, but their ranges do not overlap; named after the elongated hump in the middle of its back.
Pantropical spotted dolphin
Varies greatly in size, shape and colour, but most animals can be identified by their distinctive spotting and extremely active behaviour
Atlantic spotted dolphin
Closely resembles the Pantropical spotted dolphin, though has a distinctive light-coloured blaze on each shoulder and spots on the underside do not merge.
Southern rightwhale dolphin
Easily identified at sea by its very striking black and white body pattern; only dolphin in the southern hemisphere without a dorsal fin.
Common Dolphin
Easily recognized by the hour glass pattern and tan or yellowish patch on each side; one of the more gregarious cetaceans.
Striped Dolphin
Probably one of the most common of all cetaceans, with distinctive striping and often with a bright pink underside.
Rough-toothed Dolphin
Very distinctive dolphin with a uniquely shaped head; however, rarely seen in the wild and poorly known.
Indo-Pacific Hump-backed Dolphin
Very similar to the Atlantic Hump-backed Dolphin, with an elongated hump on its back; usually hard to approach.
Northern Rightwhale Dolphin
Unmistakable at sea with its distinctive black upper side and sides and no dorsal fin.
Bottlenose Dolphin
A highly active and well known dolphin, with subdued grey colouring and a prominent dorsal fin; great variation in size and appearance.
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