Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals that live in water but breathe through a blowhole
on the top of their head.
They are remarkable creatures that have developed a form of sonar called echolocation to hunt and prey.
They are very friendly and playful.
Below are some interesting facts about dolphins.
Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises.
Dolphins are part of the family of toothed whales that includes orcas and pilot whales.
They are mammals and breathe through a blowhole on the top of their head.
They vary in size from 4 feet (1.2 meters) and 90 pounds (40 kilograms) for Maui’s
and up to 30 feet (9.5 meters) and
10 tons for Orca or Killer Whale.
There are almost forty species of dolphin,
and they are found worldwide, mostly in the shallow waters along the continental shelves.
Five species live in the river.
Dolphins are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid.
Dolphins live in social groups of five to several hundred.
They use echolocation to find prey and often hunt together
by surrounding a school of fish, trapping them and taking
turns swimming through the school and catching fish.
Dolphins will also follow seabirds,
other whales and fishing boats to feed on the fish the birds scare to the surface or discard.
Dolphins are considered to be amongst the most intelligent of animals.
They are friendly and extremely playful.
They are also easy to train.
These qualities have made them a favorite of many people.
Scientists believe that dolphins conserve energy by swimming alongside ships, a practice
known as bow-riding.
Dolphin vary in color, but they are generally gray with darker backs than the rest of their bodies.
Most dolphin species have a long lifespan. It is estimated that some may have lived for
more than 100 years.
Dolphins mate throughout the year.
Gestation lasts from 9 to 17 months depending on the species.
They usually have only one baby.
When it is time to give birth, the female will distance herself from the pod, often
going near the surface of the water.
As soon as the calf is born, the mother must quickly
take it to the surface so it can take its first breath.
The calf will nurse from 11
months to 2 years, and after it is done nursing it will still stay with its mother until it
is between 3 and 8 years old.
Dolphins are at risk because the oceans are
being polluted.
They are also losing their habitats and many countries still allow dolphins
to be hunted.
Fishing nets also pose a problem for the dolphin population as does the increase in boating traffic.