Observations on a large school of spinner dolphins, Stenella longirostris off southwest coast of India with note on its behaviour

A large school of spinner dolphins, Stenella longirostris numbering about 120 were observed at 08° 52'N, 75° 36'E off Quilon coast along the southwest coast of India. The dolphins measured 2.0-2.5 m. They were bow-diving the vessel making acrobatic acts. The dolphins followed the vessel for about 45 minutes. Behaviour of the dolphins and an attempt made to study them in dose quarter are also discussed