Spinner Dolphin

Photo: Atharva Kasturia · CC BY-NC

The Kalpitiya spinner dolphin population is among the largest coastal aggregations in the world, with regular counts exceeding 1000 animals in a single pass. During their midday rest phase in the shallow corridor, dolphins remain in tight, synchronised breathing groups — a behaviour that allows collective vigilance against sharks while individuals take brief shallow sleep. The frequency and predictability of the aggregation has made this site a landmark for cetacean researchers studying spinner dolphin social structure and habitat use.