Rough-Toothed Dolphin

• IUCN: Not Endangered/ Least Concern
• Other names: Slopehead, Steno
• Swahili name: Pomboo meno mabaya
• Length: 2.5-2.8m
• Weight: 125-150kg
• Life expectancy: more 40 years
• Abundance: Offshore deepwater in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters
• Occurance: Unknown
• Primary prey: Fish and squid
• Conservation status: Unknown, though there are concerns with fishery bycatch in many areas
• Quick key identification: Very specific long conical head that forms a slope from melon to beak with almost non-existent forehead. Dorsal fin is long, tall and falcate with a dark gray cape which extends over body though narrows before dorsal fin. Distinctive white/pink colouration along the belly, lips and lower jaw. About 19-28 wrinkled and ridged teeth (rough-toothed) on each lower and upper jaws.

An evasive dolphin which is rarely seen and considered lucky if you do. Hard to get close to, full data on their habits and also population proves hard to gather, however it is also to their advantage as they are not threatened nor endangered on the whole though are not excluded from the dangers of driftnet fisheries. Tend to be attracted to floating debris. Lack of full forehead is a particular distinction from other dolphins.>