A pod of spinner dolphins and Fraser's dolphins swims through the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean off Taiwan's eastern coast near Hualien. 照片檔

The spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) and Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) are two species commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters, including the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Taiwan. The spinner dolphin is particularly known for its acrobatic spinning leaps, a behavior it displays frequently. It has a slender body, a long beak, and tends to be social, traveling in large pods. These dolphins are most active in deeper waters but can be seen near the coast when foraging or socializing. Fraser's dolphins are smaller, stockier, and more elusive. They are less likely to perform aerial acrobatics but are known for their fast swimming. They prefer offshore waters and often swim in tightly knit groups, making synchronized movements that allow them to evade predators and boats. In the waters off Hualien in eastern Taiwan, these two dolphin species can often be spotted together, taking advantage of the region's rich marine life.