e
distributed offshore. In the southern portions of their range from at
least North Carolina southward, the majority are found nearshore and
often enter bays and lagoons, and sometimes venture up the larger
rivers. Daily migrations in these areas may follow tidal flow.

In these same southerly areas some Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins are
distributed as far offshore as the edge of the continental shelf.

Stranded Specimens

Within their range, stranded Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins should be
readily identifiable by 1) the robust body, 2) relatively short beak,
and 3) the 20-26 teeth in each upper jaw and 18-24 in each lower jaw.

[Illustration: Figure 142.--Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins leaping on the
bow of a research vessel between Cape Cod, Mass. and Nova Scotia. Note
the robust body, the falcate dorsal fin, and the gradation of color in
three zones--dark gray on the back, to lighter gray on the sides, to
white or pink on the belly. (_Photo by A. Taruski._)]

[Illustration: Figure 143.--A side view of the Atlantic bottlenosed
dolphins off St. Augustine, Fla. Note the dark grayish coloration of the
back, the lighter coloration of the side, and the tall, sharply angled
dorsal fin, pointed on the tip. Though dorsal fin shapes are highly
variable, dorsal fins of the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin are usually
more falcate and less pointed on the tip than on these animals. (_Photo
courtesy of Marineland of Florida._)]

[Illustration: Figure 144.--Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins frequently
ride the bow wave, often turning on their sides as they do so. Note the
distinctive color zones, the characteristic shape of the head and beak,
and the smooth lines of the flippers. (_Photo by L. Rigley._)]

[Illustration: Figure 145.--An Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin taken at
Isla La Blanquilla, off Venezuela. Because they inhabit shallow waters,
Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins are infrequent victims of strandings.
(_Photo courtesy of F. Cervigon._)]

[Illustration: Figure 146.--Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins have from 20
to 26 teeth in each side of the upper jaw and from 18 to 24 in each side
of the lower jaw. These teeth, sharply pointed in younger animals, may
wear substantially as the animal ages. (_Photo courtesy of Wometco Miami
Seaquarium._)]

GUIANA DOLPHIN (T)

_Sotalia guianensis_ (P.-J. van Beneden 1864)

Other Common Names

None known.

Description

Guiana dolphins are the second smallest cetacean species