Spinner dolphin – Stenella longirostris

Spinner dolphins are small sized and they average 1.8 m in lengh and 75 kg in weigh. Maximum size is about 2.1 m and 95 kg. They are very slim and have a long. slender beak that a black above and white below. Coloration is dark grey dorasally. Fading to laughter grey on the sides, and the belly is white. A dark stripe extends from the flipper to the eys. Average number of teeth is 224.

The spinner dolphin gets its name from its incredible acrobatic skills and its habitat of breaching ( jumping clear out of the water ) in graceful curves and spinning vertically before re-entry, Movies for this behavior are unknown, but it represents a distinguishing characteristic of the species. Spinner groups are from thirty to several hundred individuals, but have been known to reach even thousands. They eat mesopelagic fishes, squids and shrimps. Adults female deliver a single calf at 2-years intervals in early summer; however, birthing can occur at any season. Cestation is 11 month, and newborn claves average 75 cm.

What Can You Do to protect Dolphins?

• Decrease, use again, and recycle your waste so it doesn’t end up in the sea.
  
• Support all efforts aiming to properly dispose toxic wastes like paint and boat oil at special collection sites, rather that pouring them down the boat drain.
  
• Support civil spciety organizations like Abu Salama Soceity that protect dolphins through becoming a member giving donations and supporting their efforts and campaigns.

Attention Dolphin Lovers

Things to do :
- Wear a life jacket at all times
- Pay attention & follow your guide.
- Paddle quietly with fins kept underwater.

Things not to do :
- Swim using arms
- Shout, whistle and use shakers or noise-making devices.
- Use camera flashes
- Touch, Chase or feed the dolphins.

Who to call if you witness dolphins harassment ?
Red Sea Protectorate office in Marsa Alam @ +2065 3720227
Red Sea Protectorate H.Q. in Hurghada @ + 2065 3445040
Please direct ant questions concerning marine mammals to :
Abu Salama Society @ +2012 163 9797 Email : protects@abusalama.org