Marine Mammals

Tursiops truncatus

Larger dolphin species compared to others. Occasionally recorded around reefs and coastal areas. Highly social and often interacts with boats. 

Observation type: Boat, coastal waters.

Stenella attenuata

Pelagic dolphin seen in waters around Ascension. Forms large pods and sometimes associates with tuna. Has spots around dorsal fin and underbelly.

Observation type: Offshore boat.

Steno bredanensis

Pelagic dolphin occasionally observed around Ascension. Recognisable by its long, slender beak. Feeds on squid and fish. 

Observation type: Offshore boat.

Megaptera novaeangliae

Occasional visitor around Ascension, usually during seasonal migrations. Known for breaching and long-distance vocalizations. Can be spotted from the shore when breaching.

 Observation type: Boat, shore, aerial.

Physeter macrocephalus

A large deep-diving cetacean. Often observed offshore. Feeds primarily on squid. 

 Observation type: Boat, aerial, acoustic.

Balaenoptera brydei

Tropical and subtropical species observed in Ascension waters. Often near the surface feeding on schooling fish. 

Observation type: Offshore boat.

Kogia sima

A small, elusive deep-water whale. Rarely observed around Ascension. Feeds on squid and small fish. 

Observation type: Offshore boat.

Pseudorca crassidens

Large, social oceanic dolphin. Occasionally seen in Ascension waters, often in pods feeding on large fish or squid. 

Observation type: Offshore boat.

Globicephala macrorhynchus

Deep-diving, social cetacean forming pods. Occasional visitor to Ascension waters; primarily feeds on squid. 

Observation type: Offshore boat.