11/09/2026
Six Fascinating Dolphins of Sri Lanka...
Sri Lanka’s surrounding seas are home to an impressive variety of dolphins, each with its own fascinating characteristics.
The Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris), one of the most spectacular species seen around Sri Lanka, is famous for its incredible spinning leaps and feeds mainly on small schooling fish, squid and crustaceans. Its global IUCN status is Least Concern.
The Bottlenose Dolphin includes the Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), globally listed as Least Concern,
and the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus), which is currently Data Deficient globally. They feed on fish, squid and crustaceans and are known for their intelligence and sophisticated hunting techniques.
The Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus), classified as Least Concern, is easily recognized by the numerous pale scars that develop across its body as it matures. It is particularly fond of squid and other cephalopods.
The Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), also Least Concern, has distinctive blue-grey and white stripes and feeds mainly on fish, squid and other small marine prey.
The Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata), listed as Least Concern, is recognized by the spots that become more prominent as the animal ages. Its diet consists mainly of small schooling fish, with squid and crustaceans also forming part of its diet.
Finally, the Fraser’s Dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), another Least Concern species, is a relatively small, deep-water dolphin with a robust body and striking dark-and-light colour patterns. It is one of the less frequently encountered dolphin species in Sri Lankan waters.
Together, these dolphins highlight the incredible marine biodiversity surrounding Sri Lanka and remind us why protecting our oceans from pollution, fishing-related threats and habitat disturbance is so important.
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