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Dolphin Feature - The Bottlenose Dolphin

© Carma Haley Shoemaker

The Bottlenose dolphin is one of the most recognized aquatic animals. Featured in movies such as "Day of the Dolphin," "Flipper," and "Zeus and Roxanne," as well as participating in numerous aquatic adventure parks nationwide and beyond, the Bottlenose dolphin is quite the celebrity. The Bottlenose dolphin has become the idea of what a dolphin is. Mention the word "dolphin" and most people will conjure up images of the short snout, silver-gray and white body with the ever evident "smile" that is associated with the Bottlenose.

The Bottlenose dolphin's scientific name, Tursiops truncatus, means (in a very rough translation) "the appearance of a dolphin with a cut off snout." There are two ecotypes, or sub species, or Bottlenose dolphins. One is a smaller, shore dwelling Bottlenose, and the other a larger, robust offshore Bottlenose. These subspecies have very slight differences, and will interact and breed within the varying pods. It is believed that the differences of these species is due to location and and both the prey type and availability.

The Bottlenose dolphin's coloring can vary from a pure white underbelly to a deep, rich, charcoal gray. Scientists and dolphin research indicates that pod genetics and the dolphin genes are responsible for the varying coloration rather then regions of inhabitance contributing to color variations as with other species. Adult Bottlenose dolphins can reach lengths of 14-14.5 feet, and can weigh over 600 pounds. Males tend to be larger then females, but there are a few females who have tipped the scales at 606 and 612 pounds.

Bottlenose dolphins have been observed regularly feeding as a group. The dolphins will work together to "herd" a school of fish to a central location. Different members will take turns to fee while the others work to keep the fish in position.

Bottlenose dolphins are famous for their "songs." These noises are both the way a Bottlenose dolphin communicates and locates things such as his pod and food. Their language is a series of clicks, squeeks, chirps and squeals. Although throughly documented, the language of the Bottlenose dolphin is not completely understood.

Pods of Bottlenose dolphins mainly consist of ten to twenty dolphins. Each pod may adopt a "home-range," or an area where they inhabit regularly. The "home-range" can vary depending upon the size of the pod, the location of the area in relation to land, and other nearby pods.

Bottlenose dolphins live worldwide with the exception of Polar Regions. It is not unusual to see Bottlenose dolphins bowriding along side boats, swimming into harbors, or even approaching a scuba or skin diver. These dolphins are just as curious about humans as humans are about them.

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