Name
Dolphins (Delphinidae)Others in Family
Bottlenose, Common, Dusky, Humpback, Spinner, Spotted and Striped DolphinSize
Dolphins vary in length from 1.5m to 6m.Dolphin Identification
Dolphins have smooth, streamlined bodies, big foreheads that protrudes over the beak, or rostrum and a blowhole at the top of the head. Most dolphin have curved dorsal fins. They vary in colour from grey to white and black, and some have distinct colour markings.Dolphin General Info
Dolphins belong to the Delphinidae family which comprises of 17 genera and 32 species. This viviparous mammal is the most intelligent of marine species. They use echolocation to detect their prey and are fast, agile swimmers. Their tails are horizontal in the water, their weight varies from 50kg to 900kg and cross-breeding between species can occur. They live in schools in shallow water, sometimes working together to catch prey such as sardines. When the young are born, they are fully developed.Dolphin Feeding
Dolphins mainly feed on fish and squid.Dolphin Distribution
Dolphins can be found in temperate and tropical oceans across the world.Common Species
Humpback dolphinSousa chinensis
Common dolphin
Delphinus delphis
Bottlenose dolphin
Tursiops truncatus