Latin name

Steno bredanensis

Other names

Steno bredanensis

Identification

The most obvious distinguishing features are the conical shape of the head and the thin snout. Other dolphin species have either a shorter snout or a much more convex forehead. The shape of the teeth is also characteristic - their surface is rough and formed by numerous narrow irregular ridges. The number of teeth ranges from 19 to 28 in each jaw.

Features of fish fins

Rough-toothed dolphins have a pectoral fin approximately 36-49 cm long and a dorsal fin 18-28 cm high.

Fish colouring

The coloration is gray with white flecks. 

Distribution

The range spans all three major oceans, with the species rarely venturing north of 40°N and south of 35°S. It also occurs in many semi-enclosed waters such as the Gulf of Thailand, Red Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of California.

Habitat

It is a tropical and subtropical species that usually lives in deep ocean waters, at least a kilometer deep, often more than a kilometer and a half, which is why it is sometimes called the deep-sea dolphin. However, in some areas (such as off Brazil and West Africa), the dolphin can be found in shallower coastal waters. 

Size

Height from 209 to 283 cm. Weight 90-155 kg, males larger than females. 

Behavior

They live in small groups of 3-4 individuals. 

Food and feeding habits

Feeds on cephalopods and fish, including large fish such as Coryphaena hippurus. 

Reproduction

When males reach the reproductive age of 5 to 10 years, they will seek out a mature female who has reached sexual maturity between 9 and 10 years of age. Pups are born between 1 and 1.3 meters long and are well protected by their mother. At two months of age, they begin to feed on small fish and the mother reduces the time she spends caring for them.

Life expectancy in the wild is about 32-36 years.

Fishing

Caught as bycatch in fishing nets.

Relationship with a person

This dolphin is eaten as food or used as shark bait.