DIVING Red Sea Egypt SOUTH SINAI
Spinner Dolphin photos and videos
by
Aleš Sulič 2023 ©

Spinner dolphin – Stenella longirostris – Navadni dolgokljuni delfin

Navadni dolgokljuni delfin – mojster morskih akrobacij

Navadni dolgokljuni delfin (Stenella longirostris), v angleščini znan kot »spinner dolphin«, je ena najbolj prepoznavnih vrst oceanskih delfinov. Njegovo ime izhaja iz izjemne sposobnosti, da se med skokom nad gladino večkrat zavrti okoli svoje osi – včasih tudi do sedemkrat – preden z glasnim pljuskom pristane nazaj v morje. Ta spektakularna akrobacija že desetletja navdušuje raziskovalce in opazovalce morskega sveta. Navadni dolgokljuni delfin je razmeroma majhen in vitke postave. V dolžino meri med 1,3 in 2,4 metra ter tehta od 23 do 79 kilogramov. Zanj je značilen dolg in ozek kljun ter izrazit tribarvni vzorec telesa. Temnejši hrbet, svetlejši boki in bel trebuh. Takšna obarvanost mu pomaga pri kamuflaži v odprtem morju. Njegovo telo je prilagojeno hitremu in okretnemu plavanju. Pogosto ga lahko opazimo, kako plava ob premcu ladij in izkorišča valove, ki jih ustvarjajo plovila.

Vrsta živi v tropskih in subtropskih morjih po vsem svetu, zlasti v Tihem, Indijskem in Atlantskem oceanu. Najraje ima toplejše odprte vode, nekatere populacije pa se čez dan zadržujejo v plitvih obalnih zalivih, kjer počivajo. Ponoči na odprtem morju lovijo plen. Hrani se predvsem z majhnimi ribami, lignji in rakci, ki se ponoči dvignejo bližje morski gladini. Pri iskanju hrane uporablja eholokacijo – oddajanje zvočnih signalov, ki mu omogočajo natančno zaznavanje okolice. Navadni dolgokljuni delfini so izjemno družabne živali. Živijo v skupinah, ki lahko štejejo več deset ali celo sto osebkov. Sporazumevajo se s piski, kliki in telesnimi gibi. Njihovi značilni vrtljaji v zraku naj bi imeli več funkcij. Oblika komunikacije, utrjevanje družbenih vezi, odstranjevanje parazitov ali celo dvorjenje. Raziskave kažejo, da so delfini med najbolj inteligentnimi morskimi živalmi, saj izkazujejo zapleteno družbeno strukturo in sposobnost učenja.

Po podatkih International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) je navadni dolgokljuni delfin na svetovni ravni uvrščen med najmanj ogrožene vrste (Least Concern). Kljub temu so nekatere lokalne populacije izpostavljene nevarnostim, kot so zapletanje v ribiške mreže, podvodni hrup, onesnaževanje ter pretiran in neustrezen turizem.

Spinner Dolphin – Master of Ocean Acrobatics

The spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) is one of the most recognizable oceanic dolphin species. Its name comes from its extraordinary ability to spin multiple times in the air during a single leap—sometimes up to seven rotations—before splashing back into the sea. This spectacular acrobatic display has fascinated marine researchers and ocean enthusiasts for decades. The spinner dolphin is relatively small and slender. It measures between 1.3 and 2.4 meters (4–8 feet) in length and weighs between 23 and 79 kilograms (50–174 pounds). It has a long, narrow beak and a distinctive three-tone color pattern: a dark gray back, lighter gray sides, and a pale or white underside. This coloration provides effective camouflage in open ocean waters. Its streamlined body is perfectly adapted for speed and agility. Spinner dolphins are often seen riding the bow waves of boats, playfully gliding alongside vessels.

Spinner dolphins inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans around the world, particularly in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. They prefer warm offshore waters, although some populations rest in shallow coastal bays during the day. At night, they move into deeper waters to hunt. Their diet consists mainly of small fish, squid, and shrimp that migrate closer to the surface after dark. Like other dolphins, they use echolocation—emitting sound waves and interpreting the returning echoes—to navigate and locate prey with remarkable precision. Spinner dolphins are highly social animals. They live in groups that can include dozens or even hundreds of individuals. Communication within pods involves whistles, clicks, and body movements. Their signature spinning leaps may serve multiple purposes, including communication, strengthening social bonds, removing parasites, or courtship displays. Scientific research suggests that dolphins are among the most intelligent marine animals, exhibiting complex social structures and advanced learning abilities.

Conservation Status

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the spinner dolphin is currently classified as Least Concern on a global scale. However, certain local populations face threats such as accidental entanglement in fishing gear (bycatch), underwater noise pollution, habitat disturbance, and unsustainable tourism practices.

Foto: Aleš Sulič, Egypt Dolphine House