Mammals diurnal

Clymene Dolphin

Stenella clymene

Meet the Atlantic's unique hybrid acrobat, the Clymene dolphin. Famed for its distinctive mustache and energetic leaps, this dolphin is a master of the deep blue.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Typically 1.7 to 2 meters (5.6 to 6.6 feet) in length; weighs between 75 and 80 kg (165 to 176 lbs).

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Colors

Distinct three-toned pattern with a dark gray cape, a light gray flank, and a white underside; features a characteristic dark 'mustache' on the beak.

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Key Features

Dark 'mustache' marking on the upper beak
Short, robust beak compared to other spinner species
Tri-partite color pattern with three distinct shades of gray and white
Acrobatic spinning leaps and frequent bow-riding

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours Daylight hours for social interaction and travel; nighttime for deep-water foraging.

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Season Year-round

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Diet Small mesopelagic fish, particularly lanternfish, as well as squid and occasional shrimp found in deep ocean layers.

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Habitat Deep, tropical and subtropical oceanic waters of the Atlantic Ocean, usually over 1,000 meters deep.

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Behavior

The Clymene dolphin is a highly social and energetic marine mammal, typically moving in schools of 10 to 500 individuals. While they were long confused with the Spinner dolphin due to their similar appearance and habit of spinning in the air, the Clymene's leaps are generally more compact and less frequent. They are exceptionally active at the surface and are well-known for their affinity for bow-riding, often seeking out the pressure waves of ships to surf through the water.

Historically, this species is fascinating to scientists because it represents a rare case of hybrid speciation; it is the evolutionary descendant of the Spinner and Striped dolphins. Their social structures are complex, often involving coordinated hunting and vocal communication. While they are generally found in deep offshore waters, they are curious animals that will often approach vessels, making them a favorite for pelagic wildlife observers.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the Clymene dolphin requires a high-performance setup capable of handling the fast-paced, high-glare environment of the open Atlantic. If you are mounting a camera on a boat or a deep-water platform, the most critical accessory is a circular polarizing filter. This filter is essential for cutting through the surface reflection of the ocean, allowing your AI camera to identify the dolphin's distinct three-toned gray pattern and the 'mustache' marking on the beak even when the animal is submerged.

Because these dolphins are incredibly fast and prone to sudden aerial displays, your camera's shutter speed must be your top priority. Set your manual shutter to at least 1/2000th of a second to freeze the action and prevent motion blur during a spin. For AI-powered triggers, ensure the 'motion sensitivity' is set to its highest level, as the splashing of a school can sometimes confuse standard sensors. If your camera supports it, use a 'Pre-Roll' or 'Buffer' feature so that the recording begins a few seconds before the dolphin actually breaks the surface.

Placement is key for identification. To distinguish a Clymene from a Spinner dolphin, you need a clear shot of the head and the side profile. Mount your camera at a low angle near the bow of the boat to capture 'bow-riding' footage, or use a high-mast mount to get a top-down view of the school's formation. In lower light conditions, such as the early morning hours when dolphins are often near the surface, keep your ISO as low as possible to maintain the clarity of the gray gradients on their skin, which are the primary markers used for species identification.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Clymene Dolphin.

Spinner Dolphin

The Spinner has a much longer, thinner beak and lacks the Clymene's distinct 'mustache' marking.

Striped Dolphin

Striped dolphins have a prominent dark stripe running from the eye to the flipper, which the Clymene lacks.

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin

Adult spotted dolphins are covered in white spots, whereas the Clymene has a smooth, three-toned gray appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clymene dolphin are most visible to observers during daylight hours when they engage in social behaviors, travel, and bow-riding. However, they are also highly active at night when they dive to deeper levels to hunt for lanternfish and squid.

Since Clymene dolphin live in the deep ocean, you cannot attract them to a backyard in the traditional sense. However, they are naturally attracted to the bow waves of moving vessels. Utilizing a boat-mounted camera while traveling through deep Atlantic waters is the best way to bring them into frame.

Their diet consists mainly of small mesopelagic fish and squids. They are particularly fond of lanternfish, which migrate toward the surface at night, providing the dolphins with an abundant food source.

No, Clymene dolphin are strictly pelagic mammals, meaning they live in the open ocean. You will not find them in suburban or coastal shallows; they prefer the deep waters of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic.

Look for the 'mustache'—a dark marking on the top of the Clymene's beak. They also have a shorter, more robust beak and a more distinct three-toned color pattern compared to the more uniform appearance of many Spinner dolphins.

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