Which dolphin species is known for its acrobatic spinning leaps?

The dolphin species known for acrobatic spinning leaps is the spinner dolphin. Its scientific name is Stenella longirostris, and it is famous for rotating around its long axis while jumping clear of the water.

Spinner dolphins are small, slender dolphins found mainly in offshore tropical and subtropical waters around the world. During a leap, a dolphin may twist repeatedly before landing on its side. Researchers have recorded roughly two to seven rotations in a single jump, depending partly on the animal's underwater swimming and spinning speed.

The purpose of the behavior is not fully settled. Spinning may help remove parasites such as remoras, create sounds that communicate with nearby dolphins, or serve more than one function. Spinner dolphins also perform tail slaps, flips, nose-outs, and other aerial displays.

The name can cause confusion because many dolphin species leap and breach. The distinctive repeated rotation is the key clue. Dusky, common, and bottlenose dolphins are all capable of energetic jumps, but the spinner dolphin is the species most strongly associated with spinning aerial leaps.