22.07.2022 – Chatter box

Our Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were busy doing three things today. One of her main occupations was to indulge in love. The intense activity created veritable whirlpools. Of course, they also took the time to surround us. Much to the delight of all present.

Sasha, who is our sound expert, slipped his hydrophone into the water. Suddenly a range of different sounds could be heard. We could hear the dolphins’ clicks and also their communication tones. Sasha told me that our range of hearing is usually around 15-17,000 Hz in the higher registers and around 60 Hz in the lower registers. So we only perceive a section of the tone spectrum of dolphins and whales, both in the high and low pitches. One thing is clear, Atlantic spotted dolphins are real gossip bags.

A school of reserved Striped dolphins crossed our way as well. While looking for other marine mammals, we found a Scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) swimming on the surface. It was still fresh, and our skipper must have had a delicious dinner. Scabbard fish can grow up to 1.40 cm long and weigh 5 kg. Living in the depths, they are golden brown. When catching the scabbard fish while it is being pulled up, the color changes to black.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10.00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

15:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Striped dolphins

17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins