Bottlenose dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a species of dolphin that is most familiar to the general public due to its widespread display in zoos and marine parks. It is a member of the family Delphinidae, the largest family in the Cetacean order.

Description

Bottlenose Dolphins are grey, varying from dark to light grey in colour. They have a streamlined body and a short, thick beak - hence the name "bottlenose". The dorsal fin is tall, curved, and located near the middle of their backs. Their pectoral flippers are small, pointed, and curved back towards the body.

Distribution and Habitat

Bottlenose Dolphins are found in warm and temperate seas worldwide. They inhabit a wide variety of habitats, including coastal waters, bays, estuaries, and river mouths. They are also known to inhabit open ocean environments.

Behaviour and Diet

Bottlenose Dolphins are highly social animals. They live in groups called pods, which can range from a few individuals to over a hundred. They are known for their acrobatic behaviour, often leaping out of the water, riding swells and waves, and occasionally interacting with humans swimming or boating.

Their diet consists mainly of small fish and squid. They are known to employ a variety of hunting strategies, including herding fish into tight balls, stunning prey with their tails, and even using tools to access hidden prey.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Bottlenose Dolphin is considered to be of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, they face numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and incidental capture in fishing gear.

See Also

• Dolphin
• Cetacean
• Delphinidae

References

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