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The Clymene's dolphin
Stenella clymene
​General description
The Clymene dolphin has a slender, spindle-shaped and robust body. Its rostrum, of moderate length, is overlooked by a slightly rounded melon. Its dorsal fin, high and located in the middle of the body, can be falcate or triangular, with a slightly rounded end. Like the spinner dolphin, its pigmentation is organized into three parts: a dark gray dorsal cape, a gray band on the sides, and a whitish ventral side. Its lower jaw is also white, contrasting with the black of the lips and the end of the rostrum.
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Habitat
The Clymene dolphin is pelagic and lives in the tropical, subtropical and warm temperate waters of the Atlantic.
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Diet
Mainly nocturnal, this dolphin hunts fish and cephalopods such as squid. To feed, it would be able to dive up to 200 meters.
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Behavior
Very sociable, the Clymene dolphin lives in groups of 50 to 80 individuals. Like the spinner dolphin, it is known for its acrobatic jumps. It can make up to three or four rotations in flight. Curious, he approaches the ships to interact with their waves. It can also associate with other cetaceans, such as the common dolphin and the spinner dolphin.
Global distribution of the Clymene Dolphin, adapted from Jefferson, Thomas A. 2018. “Clymene Dolphin: Stenella clymene”. In Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals (Third Edition), edited by Bernd Würsig, J.G.M. Thewissen, and Kit M. Kovacs, 197-200. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-804327-1.00093-5.
Family : Delphinidae​​
Size (m)​​
Weight (Kg)
Lifespan (years)
Sexual Maturity
(years)
Gestation
(month)
1.70 - 2.00
50 – 70
Unknown
Unknown
1.70 - 2.00
50 – 70
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Observations in the Lesser Antilles (CCS)
Main threats
Entanglement in fishing gear, such as gillnets, can cause serious injury or death. Although bycatch is common, another significant threat is noise pollution, caused by human activities such as maritime traffic, disrupting their communication and behaviors. The Clymene dolphin is also hunted in the Lesser Antilles.
Least concern
IUCN Status :
References
- [1] Sylvestre, Jean-Pierre. 2014. Cetaceans of the World Systematics, Ethology, Biology, Ecology, Status. Practical Guide. Quae Publishing.
- [2] Jefferson, Thomas A.. (2018). Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals || Clymene Dolphin. , (), 197–200. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-804327-1.00093-5