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| Distribution |
In NC, known from one offshore record (at least), about 50 miles off Cape Hatteras, between the cape and the VA line; as well as one stranding record.
A species of tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, but in North America found mainly in the Gulf of Mexico and around the West Indies. Very poorly known off southern Atlantic portion of the US coast, but might be regular far offshore. |
| Abundance |
One of the less known dolphins off the US coast, and considered to be rare to uncommon in many areas, but locally common in others around the globe. However, as it occurs in very large groups and in deep offshore waters, total numbers might not be overly rare. In NC, assumed to be very rare, if not casual/accidental. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History mammal collections (2021) lists one stranding record for NC, on 12 March 1993. |
| Seasonal Occurrence |
The only offshore record that we are aware of is a group of over 1,000 individuals, seen in mid-August 2005, by persons on a research vessel. The stranding was in mid-March. |
| Habitat |
Deep waters far offshore; strictly in warm waters. Bowers et al. (2004) state that is usually occurs in waters over 3,000 feet (500 fathoms) deep. |
| Behavior |
Can occur in extremely large groups -- as many as 1,000 or more. It is a fast and active swimmer, supposedly wary of boats. |
| Comments |
Researchers on the RV Odyssey, moving northward well off NC, reported and photographed this species; one photo appears on the RV Odyssey website. The species was seen at the time with a large flock of Melon-headed Whales, another very rare and poorly known species off our coast. Thankfully, Fraser's Dolphin is fairly well-marked, as it has a moderately thick black band along the midline, from the face toward the tail, and it has a very short beak. |
| Origin |
Native |
| NC List |
Official |
 State Rank |
S1M |
| State Status |
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| Global Rank |
G4 |
| Federal Status |
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| subspecies |
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| synonym |
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