Once considered
one of the many variations of long-snouted spinner dolphins, the clymene was
officially classified as a seperate species in 1981. The ranges of two species
overlap in the Atlantic and are difficult to tell apart. The clymene is slightly
more robust, the dorsal fin is less triangular, and the beak is a little
shorter. These dolphins are believed to be nocturnal feeders.
Scientific Name: Stenella clymene
Other Names: Short Snouted Spinner Dolphin
Length: 5.8-6.5 ft. (1.7-2 m.)
Weight: 110-200 lbs. (50-90 kg.)
Teeth: 152-194
Description:
The Clymene Dolphin is a slender creature, closely resembling the Hawaiian form
of the Spinner Dolphin. The undersides are white, darkening to a light grey on
the flanks and a dark grey dorsal cape that dips low along the sides. A grey
stripe from eye to flipper can sometimes be seen. The tip of the beak is black,
as is the stripe that leads from the tip of the beak to the melon. Adults weigh
around 80kg and measure approximately 2m.
Recognition
at sea: The Clymene Dolphin's characteristic
short snout and low-dipped dorsal cape should aid identification.
Habitat: The
Clymene Dolphin has only been observed in deep water.
Food &
Feeding: It is thought that the Clymene Dolphin
takes the same prey as the Spinner Dolphin, namely midwater fish and squid.
Behaviour:
Units of between 1-10 animals are common, but
one mass strand of 50 has been recorded. Clymene Dolphins associate with both
Spinner and Common Dolphins, but are not as dramatically acrobatic as the
former.
Longevity:
Unknown.
Estimated Current
Population: Unknown.
The Influence of
Man: Clymene Dolphins are harpooned around St Vincent, Lesser Antilles
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