Spinner Dolphin
Stenella longirostris
Sighting evidence at Whale Shark Corridor, Kalpitiya
Photo: martinmoscovich · CC BY-NC
Spinner dolphins frequently escort dive boats to and from the corridor in superpods of 100 to 300 individuals, riding the bow wave and performing their characteristic aerial spins — a behaviour whose function may be to dislodge parasites or reinforce social bonds. They rest in the shelter of Bar Reef during the day and migrate offshore to feed on mesopelagic fish at depth during the night. Kalpitiya supports one of Sri Lanka's largest spinner dolphin populations and encounters are virtually guaranteed on any offshore boat trip.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Spinner Dolphin is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.