Atlantic Spotted Dolphin - Taxonomy

Taxonomy

The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin was first described by Cuvier in 1828. There is considerable variation in the physical form of individuals in the species and specialists have long been uncertain as to the correct taxonomic classification. Currently just one species is recognised, however it is quite possible that a large, particularly spotty variant commonly found near Florida may be classified as a formal subspecies or indeed a species in its own right.

Atlantic Spotted Dolphins in the Bahamas have been observed mating with bottlenose dolphins. Rich LeDuc has published data that suggests that Atlantic Spotted Dolphins may be more closely related to bottlenose dolphins (genus Tursiops) than to other members of the genus Stenella.