Clymene Dolphin

Clymene Dolphin
Photo: South East Fisheries Science Center

Clymene Dolphin, Stenella clymene , also known as short-snouted spinner dolphin, is endemic to the tropical and warm temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. They are about 1.8-2 m in length and weigh about 75-90 kg.

Schools of this species, consisting of approximately 50 dolphins have also been seen in the company of common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, off West Africa. Clymene Dolphin appears to be the most common cetacean in Ghana’s coastal waters. This species can be easily mistaken for the Spiner Dolphin, but distinct by the black marking, somewhat like a moustache, on top of the beak. It is among the seven dolphin species found in the coastal waters of Nigeria.

Contributor:
Tope Apoola
Profession: Writer