|
Description: The most familiar of the 37 species of dolphins, bottlenose dolphins range in length from 8 to 12 feet. Adults may weigh between 400 and 600 pounds. Males are slightly larger than females. The sleek torpedo-shaped body is padded with a layer of insulating blubber.
Their prominent rostrum or beak accounts for the name “bottlenose.” The coloration of the bottlenose serves as a type of camouflage called counter shading. Their backside is a dark gray, the sides a lighter gray fading to a whitish to pink color on their underside. The pectoral fins are medium size, pointed and aid in steering. The broad horizontal flukes move up and down to propel the dolphin through the water and the single, rather curved dorsal fin on their back gives the animal stabilization as it swims through the water.
Range and Habitat: Bottlenose dolphins inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide. Primarily found in coastal areas, they may also enter harbors bays, lagoons, estuaries and river mouths. Some populations can also be found living offshore.
To learn more click here.
So you want to be a dolphin trainer?
|