SMALL WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND PORPOISES (less than 4 meters maximum length) 



With a Dorsal Fin 



The fifteen species in this group are not discussed in order of length; 

 instead, the species of the genus Similla are treated together and then 



they and other species are placed m near proximity to those animals 

 with which they are likely to be confused in the field. 



Illustrations in the Small Whales section are at a scale of 1:50 



Body to 2.6 m long. 



Coloration varies among geographical races - changes with age. 



Body has dark cape, lighter ventrum. 



Spotting increases with age, and adults may appear uniform gray. 



f Hawaiian animals of all ages less spotted. ; 



Beak long and distinct, often white on lips and tip. 



Dorsal fin distinctly falcate, near mid-bodv and pointed at tip. 



Except in few coastal areas do not ride bow waves - instead flee 

 from vessels. 



Distribution from tip of Baja California to latitude of Lima Peru 

 and offshore pelagically to 145°W and around islands in the 

 Central Pacific ( Tuamotus, Marquesas, Hawaiian Islands, etc.). 



Body to 2.1 m. 



Coloration varies among races - mostly as function ol extent of 



intrusion of dark dorsal cape over lighter lateral area and 



extension ot white sides. 

 Beak extremely long and slim - usually dark above, uhite below. 

 Tip of snout and lips distinctly black. 

 Dorsal fin ranges trom tall and triangular, even canting lorward, to 



moderately lalcate. 

 Often jumps and spins on longitudinal axis. 

 Flees from vessels in eastern tropical Pacific tuna fishing areas, rides 



bow wave in other areas. 

 Distribution tropical roughly coinciding with that of spotted dolphin. 



Spotted Dolphin 



Stinella atlcnuala (T) 



Spinner Dolphin 



Stcmlla longiroslns (T^ 



Body to about 2.7 m long. 



Body dark gray to bluish-grey on back; gray on sides; gray or white 



on belly. 

 Distinctive black stripes from (1) eye to anus [i) eye to flipper. 

 Distinctive light blaze often extends up and back from the edge of 



the cape over the eye, pointing toward the dorsal fin. 

 Except in some areas of tropical fishing grounds, active bow rider. 

 Coastal distribution from equator to at least 2o°S and 20°N, with 



stragglers as far north as British Columbia; offshore northern 



distribution not well known. 



Striped Dolphin 



Stcmlla coeruleoalha (B) 



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