The Pantropical Spotted Dolphin is one of the most abundant cetaceans in tropical ocean waters and is recognized by the spots that accumulate on its body with age—newborns are unspotted and gain more spots over their lifetime. Large herds of thousands were tragically caught as incidental bycatch in the eastern tropical Pacific tuna fishery for decades, until the adoption of dolphin-safe fishing practices. This species is frequently encountered bow-riding research and commercial vessels.
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