# 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.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/stenella-longirostris/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/stenella-longirostris/
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**Review status:** This 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.

## Quick answer

The Spinner Dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*) is a mammal in the family Delphinidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku. Diet: fish and squid eater (piscivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Stenella longirostris* |
| Indonesian name | Lumba-Lumba Moncong Panjang |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Delphinidae |
| Observation records | Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku |
| Taxonomic group | Cetacea |
| GBIF records | 130 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/5220060) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 46 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — fish and squid eater (piscivore) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Stenella_longirostris/) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) — Feeds offshore at night and rests in shallow bays by day. · [Spinner Dolphin - NOAA Fisheries species page](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/spinner-dolphin) |

## 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](https://www.gbif.org/species/5220060)

## 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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stenella%20longirostris)

## 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/5220060/descriptions)

## 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=5220060&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, 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](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=5220060&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## 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.

## Scientific classification of the Spinner Dolphin

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Cetacea |
| Family | Delphinidae |
| Genus | *Stenella* |
| Species | *Stenella longirostris* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Spinner Dolphin

### What is the scientific name of the Spinner Dolphin?

The scientific name of the Spinner Dolphin is *Stenella longirostris*, in the family Delphinidae and the order Cetacea. In Indonesian it is called Lumba-Lumba Moncong Panjang.

### What kind of animal is the Spinner Dolphin?

The Spinner Dolphin is a mammal in the family Delphinidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a fish and squid eater (piscivore).

### Where does the Spinner Dolphin live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Spinner Dolphin summarised in this guide mainly come from Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Spinner Dolphin eat?

The Spinner Dolphin is a fish and squid eater (piscivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Stenella_longirostris/).

### How does the Spinner Dolphin reproduce?

The Spinner Dolphin reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### Is the Spinner Dolphin nocturnal?

The cited source records the Spinner Dolphin as nocturnal (active at night). Feeds offshore at night and rests in shallow bays by day. Source: [Spinner Dolphin - NOAA Fisheries species page](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/spinner-dolphin).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Spinner Dolphin?

Scientific classification of the Spinner Dolphin: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Cetacea, family Delphinidae, genus *Stenella*, species *Stenella longirostris*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Spinner Dolphin endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Spinner Dolphin is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/5220060), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the Spinner Dolphin protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the Spinner Dolphin protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The Spinner Dolphin (*Stenella longirostris*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 46).

It is also fully protected under Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministerial Decree No. 66 of 2025 on protected fish species (first provision, entry 22).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the Spinner Dolphin be kept as a pet?

No. Because the Spinner Dolphin is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/5220060)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=5220060&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts](https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/5220060/descriptions)
4. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/41496)
5. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stenella%20longirostris)
6. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
7. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Stenella_longirostris/)
8. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
9. [Spinner Dolphin - NOAA Fisheries species page](https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/spinner-dolphin)
10. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Fawn Roundleaf Bat](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hipposideros-cervinus/)
- [Lesser false vampire bat](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/megaderma-spasma/)
- [Moor Macaque](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/macaca-maura/)
- [Domestic Water Buffalo](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bubalus-bubalis/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Spinner Dolphin. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/stenella-longirostris/