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PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
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PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Spinner Dolphin

Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris). Spinner dolphins are known for rotating leaps, but each leap need not have the same function; vessel encounters should maintain distance.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Stenella longirostris
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.
Photograph of Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris).
(c) Robert Webster, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

What is the Spinner Dolphin?

Spinner Dolphin refers to Stenella longirostris, in the genus Stenella, family Delphinidae, and order Cetacea. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Spinner Dolphin?

Spinner dolphins are known for rotating leaps, but each leap need not have the same function; vessel encounters should maintain distance.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

Habitat and field observations of the Spinner Dolphin

Spinner dolphins use tropical island waters and offshore areas. Food studies record small fish and cephalopods, but foraging timing and composition vary among populations.

Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Spinner Dolphin?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 130 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Bali, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Maluku. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Spinner Dolphin?

Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Spinner Dolphin with Fawn Roundleaf Bat, Lesser false vampire bat, Moor Macaque. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
  4. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  5. Species account — background reading ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.