Bottlenose Dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Cetacea · Delphinidae
About
The common bottlenose dolphin or Atlantic bottlenose dolphin is one of three species of bottlenose dolphin in the genus Tursiops. While formerly known simply as the bottlenose dolphin, this term is now applied to the genus Tursiops as a whole. As considerable genetic variation has been described within this species, even between neighboring populations, many experts think additional species may be recognized and split out.
Fun Fact
Bottlenose dolphins have been observed using sea sponges as tools — they wear them on their snouts to protect against stingray barbs while foraging on the seafloor, and mothers teach this technique to their daughters.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Coastal and offshore waters
Diet
Piscivore
Lifespan
40-50 years
Threats
- Shipping Traffic
- Ocean Pollution