Rough-toothed Dolphin Encounter: Big Island

 We came across this rarely seen dolphin in deep water off the coast of the Big Island. We noticed some dorsal fins breaking the surface near one of the 'FAD's, or fish aggregating devices off Hawaii's Kona coast. I hadn't seen this species of dolphins in several years.

   The rough-toothed dolphins are easy to identify if you know what you are looking for. They have an enlarged melon and relatively short beak which gives them a uniquely sloped forehead. It is rarely seen and poorly known. They live in very deep warm tropical waters around the world.

 I sent these pictures in to our local odontocete research group so I'll report back with any updated news on this pod. There were about 12 individuals, one of which had a very easy to identify dorsal fin. You just never know what you are going to come across in the deep waters of the ocean.

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