Bottlenose Dolphin
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ID#8
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Classification: Mammalia Endangered Status: Abundant
Habitat: Coastal water and oceans The Bottlenose Dolphin is a mammal that spends its life in the ocean. It ranges in size from 6 1/4 to 13 feet long. The Bottlenose Dolphin has a short rounded snout, and the dorsal fin is short and sickle shaped. The tail fins are short and skinny. Bottlenose Dolphins come in a variety of colors ranging from covering an insulating layer of fat that prevents them from getting cold. The Bottlenose Dolphin is very social living in groups called pods. They communicate with each other through a series of whistles through their blowholes as well as with body language, such as tail slapping and jumping out of the water. They eat fish that they catch using echolocation. The Bottlenose Dolphin gives usually give birth to a single calf following a gestation period of 12 months. The calves stay with the mother for four more years. They live to be about 45 years old. Calves nurse for up to 20 months but tend to stay with their mothers until for several years. Females breed every 2-6 years. One interesting fact about the Bottlenose Dolphin is that they are named after their long rounded snout resembling a glass soda bottle. |