Spinner Dolphins

By Tarek Khaleel

John Gray discovered the species known as the spinner dolphin in 1828. The Spinner Dolphin interestingly does not have any one definite form or shape it is commonly associated with darker patches in the tailstock, back and throat. Usually it has creamy-white patch on the belly though this varies considerably. Their beaks are distinctively long and thin, and with a dark tip. The fins, also, are lengthy for dolphins of this size. The dorsal fin is erect and even leans forward in older males found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. However this description has to be described as a little loose, in the respect that there is many oddball spinner dolphins that do not in any way confine to these similarities found in other spinner dolphins.

Spinner Dolphins are the most variable in form of all cetaceans. Adults have varied in size from 129 cm to 235 cm and weight from 23 kg to 78 kg. The gestation period is about 10 months. Individuals reach maturity at four to seven years (females) and seven to ten years (males). Their longevity is unknown. Spinner Dolphins congregate in groups that vary from just a few dolphins to great numbers up in the thousands, scientists suggest complex social patterns actually unique to the spinner dolphin alone, that inquire their longing or wanting to be close to their own kind, however this currently is still debated and only speculation. They are also consistently acrobatic and keen bow-riders. The reason for the animal's spinning is said to be unknown by some people, but other people say that male Spinner Dolphins are trying to attract the females, in some sort of complex ritual dance that entices the female to mate with the male, these studies have been ongoing and are still developing currently. Another suggestion is that the great cauldron of bubbles created on exiting and re-entering the water may act as a target for echolocation by other individuals in the school. Spinning may also be simply playing. Individuals have been spotted completing at least 14 spinning jumps in quick succession, which safely earns the spinner dolphin its acrobatic reputation.

Spinner Dolphin

Communication is also a very important topic to cover that defines and compares with other dolphins. These spinner dolphins communicate by slapping the water with various body parts. For instance, “nose-outs” occur when beak is thrust from the surface. This action is commonly used when the pod is emerging from a rest period. “Tail slaps” are often used to indicate impending danger or to signal a dive. Head slaps, side slaps, and back slaps are most frequently seen as the school begins to pick up speed. Last, and most spectacular, are the spins themselves. Many animals spin repeatedly, with each spin tending to get smaller and smaller, finally finishing up with an emphatic side slap. The power of the spin can pick up through their echolocation -- may be the real purpose of the spin. Spinner dolphins maximize the effect of this splash by twisting around to land in a belly-flop, or back-flop. Spins are most frequently performed while the school is spread out across the water. A spinning dolphin may be signaling to the others: "here I am. . . . here is where I am going. . . " The effect of many dolphins spinning and leaping at once, defines what scientists call the envelope of the school that is, its size, direction, and speed of travel. This complex system of communication and expression is not unique to the spinner dolphin, many other dolphins, like the bottlenose and white Atlantic dolphins also exhibit this kind of behavior, however the spinner dolphin is most associated with doing the act in rapid succession to highlight or emphasize the meaning.

In Conclusion, the spinner dolphin is indeed an amazing specimen of the dolphin order. It is charged with energy and able to produce great works of acrobatic skill and order. They are incredible social animals that prefer to travel in mass groups of similar spinner dolphins, and are social to humans as well. They share similar emotions and moods, and are highly intelligent although can be sometimes a little difficult to train or control completely, due to their hyperactive and extremely energetic nature. You can swim with these dolphins in Oahu Hawaii only in the wild. They communicate using echolocation (sonar) and various complex types of splashing and hitting the water with their fins, in certain ways, that determine what they are saying to other spinner dolphins, or sometimes to other species of dolphins and animals altogether. Most Amazingly it seems that these signals and languages of clicks are understood by other dolphins, making these animals capable of organized communication, something associated with civilization, and society building. These creatures are fun top watch and a blast to see in action, they are truly great specimens of their kind, and hopefully we will learn more about them in the near future.