Dolphin Day!

June 6, 2008

We started out at Burrow's Cay off the east end of Grand Bahama, and had hoped to head towards the Berry Islands, but the weather was not cooperating. Instead, we followed the canyon wall over to South Abaco. On the way we sighted Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) and later we had a group of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) bow-riding! There were two small calfs in the group of spotted dolphins that breached repeatedly - we got some great photos!

Rough-toothed dolphin - note the long rostrum and white lips. Also, notice there is no crease between the melon (head) and the rostrum (as there is in bottlenose or spotted dolphins,
for example).

Atlantic Spotted dolphin - "What, no spots?" Spotted dolphins are actually born without spots, and accumulate them with age - the more spots, the older the animal. In this picture you can see a distinct colour pattern: dark gray on the dorsal surface fading to pale gray on the underside of the dolphin. When very active, this pale gray area may look pink - this is from blood circulating near the skin's surface (like a blush).

We anchored at Rocky Point that evening and went to the Sandy Point "Fish Fry" that night for a little taste of home. This weekend is The Bahamas' Labour Day holiday weekend, so there were alot of people out to celebrate.