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Dorsal Identification

In order for us to understand dolphin behavior it is essential to be able to recognize individual dolphins. The easiest way to identify a dolphin is by its uniquely individual dorsal fin.  Over the years, we have given names to over 100 dolphins in our area. If you look closely you can see that each fin is different. Throughout their lives, dolphins acquire various scars and markings that make each fin unique. This is the most reliable method for identifying individual dolphins.

Many of the dolphins we know and identify have grown up around us and our boat, the 'Patty C.' Dorsal identification has helped us keep a record of the relationships and family origins of the dolphins for the past 17 years.  See our 'Local Pod Updates' for the latest news on the dolphins. 

 

dorsal identification

Hatchet Fin

Sex: Male

Age: 27+

History: We have been seeing Hatchet on a regular basis since 1986. The female dolphins seem to really love him as he has a very sweet side to him and is very gentle and loving to the babies. Hatchet's pair-bond partner is Beta.

Long Tall

Sex: Female

Age: 20+

History: Long Tall exudes love and sweetness. She is extremely nurturing, and had her first calf, Pumpkin in 1999. We see Long Tall and Pumpkin so regularly they feel like family to us.

Spur

Sex: Male

Age: 17+

History: Spur is a powerful and intense dolphin. If he is catching snapper somewhere, he just may stay there all day and fish. He is also that way with the female dolphins; we have seen him mating for days at a time. Spur is almost always seen with his pair-bond partner, Spirit.

Flint

Sex: Male

Age: 10 years in 2003, born in August 1993

History: Flint's mother is Leah. We used to call him Gash when he was younger because of a large wound on his melon. Flint can usually be found in near-shore waters surfing along with various boats and hanging out with Jake and Rachel. He also frequently heads out to deeper water to visit with Leah and his possible father, Hatchet Fin. Can't you see the resemblance?

Grandma (seen with distinct humped back and small truncate fin)

Sex: Female

Age: unknown, we called her Grandma back in '86 because she already had an aged appearance to her.

History: Grandma shows up at the most uncanny times. She has shown up for every one of Grandy's births and is often part of the maternity circles. We see her only a few times a year, but when we do she is often seen with Spur and Spirit by her side. She is definitely part of the family.

 

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Copyright © 2000-2004 Dolphin Watch, Inc. All rights reserved. Photographs not to be used without permission. Photos: Capt. Alma Armendariz & J. Baltzell - not to be used without permission.