Mammal · GBIF taxon 2440447
Tursiops truncatus
tursiops truncatusAlso known as Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin
Common bottlenose dolphins are highly social marine mammals that live in dynamic fluid groups known as pods. They use complex echolocation to navigate underwater environments and hunt, often employing creative cooperative strategies like mud-ring feeding. Found throughout warm and temperate oceans globally, these agile ocean dwellers are renowned for their intelligence and high aerial leaps.
MarineMammalIntelligent
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Mullet
- Squid
- Croaker
Predators
- Great White Shark
- Tiger Shark
- Orca
ThreatsAccidental entanglement in fishing gear, marine pollution, vessel strikes, and ocean noise
HabitatsCoastal waters, oceans, bays, estuaries, and lagoons
Life span40 to 60 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCetacea
- FamilyDelphinidae
- GenusTursiops
- Speciestursiops truncatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Maintain a respectful distance in the water, as these powerful wild animals can injure humans if cornered or harassed.
- Why it is dangerous
- Powerful tail flukes and sharp conical teeth can cause serious impact injuries or deep puncture wounds if animals feel threatened.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a dark grey curved dorsal fin, stocky torpedolike body, and short defined beak.
- What to do
- Observe entirely from a distance; never enter the water to swim with wild pods or attempt physical contact.
Responsible observation
- Maintain vessel distance: Stay at least fifty yards away when boating near active pods.
- Never feed wild dolphins: Handouts alter natural hunting habits and draw dolphins dangerously close to boat propellers.
- Keep motors in neutral: If a dolphin approaches your boat, shift into neutral until the animal moves safely clear.
Close Relative (c) טל שמע, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Family Relative (c) Martín Acosta Albarracín, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Martín Acosta Albarracín · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Jorge Herreros de Lartundo, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jorge Herreros de Lartundo · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Daniel Benák, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Daniel Benák · cc-by
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