Common Bottlenose Dolphin Facts
- This magnificent ocean-dwelling creation of Nature and evolution generally goes by the intriguing name of the Common Bottlenose Dolphin. It does have a very similar alternate general name, though. That’s the informative moniker of Atlantic bottlenose dolphin.
- Within scientific circles, however, it’s perhaps much better known by its purely technical title. Fortunately for the layperson, that’s the relatively easy to pronounce term of Tursiops truncatus. No matter which term one chooses, it remains a beautiful and impressive creature.
- It received that official designation due to the efforts of the highly respected English naturalist, George Mantagu. He accomplished the first recorded acknowledgement of it as a completely separate and distinct species. This scientifically noteworthy act occurred in the year 1821.
- The animal’s common name suits it perfectly, as it’s possibly the most numerous, widespread, and best-known of all its kin. It also has what may be the most extensive zone of habitation of its relatives. Sadly, the mammal’s also the most popular in marine parks and aquariums.
- Unlike a great many others of its kind, the Common Bottlenose Dolphin seems to be maintaing a sufficient population base. That further appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its known range. The IUCN therefore currently list it as Least Concern on its published Red List.
- The animal nevertheless does face potential threats to its existence, at least. In this, the same dangers exist as for other marine species. These include such factors as active hunting and accidental bycatch. Doubtless, though, its greatest threat continues to be climate change.
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Common Bottlenose Dolphin Physical Description
One way in which the majestic Common Bottlenose Dolphin distinguishes itself from other dolphins around the world is sheer size. That’s due to the fact that this wonder of Nature ranks as the largest of all known beaked dolphins. That’s an extremely impressive claim to fame.
The marine marvel does follow the same pattern as other many other cetacea, though. That’s because the fabulous animal fully displays a moderate degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its specific case, this trait manifests itself in terms of simple physical size.
Males of the species generally attain a greater length and body mass than their female counterparts. In most instances, though, the difference isn’t greatly significant. Overall, both measurements vary significantly, often following different ranges. This tendency includes both genders, as well.
As a general rule of thumb, however, recorded individuals reach a length measuring somewhere between 6.6 – 13.1 ft (2 – 4 m). Weights also naturally vary accordingly. This ranges from 330 – 1,430 lb (150 – 650 kg). Exceptional specimens do occur, though, in both categories, regardless of gender.
In terms of coloring, the aptly-named Common Bottlenose Dolphin presents a nearly uniform gray shade. Slight variations on this theme occasionally present themselves in individuals, however. Upon close inspection, however, many present a slightly lighter shade on the underside of the body.
The amazing cetacea further possesses a comparatively short, well-defined nose. Often compared to a bottle, this serves as the source of the common name. Its neck evolved as more flexible than its cousins, too. That’s because five of their seven vertebrae aren’t fused, unlike other dolphins.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Delphinidae
- Genus: Tursiops
- Species: T. truncatus
Common Bottlenose Dolphin Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Thankfully, the Common Bottlenose Dolphin evolved as native to a truly extensive natural range. In fact, thhis creature lives in marine waters across much of the globe. Incredibly, this mammal makes its home in every portion of the planet’s oceans, with the sole exception of the polar regions.
This means the water-based wonder remains equally at home in either tropical, subtropical, or temperate marine regions. Experts presently estimate its current global population to be roughly 600,000. It also migrates great distances, either individually or in groups of various size
Intriguingly, groups of the captivating cetacean live in collections both near the shore and further out to sea. In this repsect, the two differing concentrations display differing habitat preferences. Those diverse populations living further out tend to undertake the more significant migrations.
Those members of the species residing closer to shore typically migrate less often, and for shorter distances than the others. These same specimens also easily adapt to warm, shallower waters. This frequently includes such varied areas as lagoons, estuaries, bays, and even many harbors.
Again following the pattern established by its many kindred, the Common Bottlenose Dolphin lives as a very social species. Most known examples live in small groups called pods. These groups average 15 in number, but sometimes exceed 100 members. Lone individuals rarely occur.
Its diet typically consists of shrimp, squid, eels, and a wide range of fish species. The mammal hunts using echolocation, and does so effectively. The pods often hunt as a team, greatly increasing their effectiveness. It has few predators of its own. These threats mainly include orcas and sharks.
Species Sharing Its Range
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