Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Bottlenose Dolphins

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Bottlenose dolphins inhabit temperate and tropical waters. There are two forms (ecotypes) of the bottlenose dolphin. The coastal or inshore form frequent harbors, bays, lagoons and estuaries. Most coastal animals stay within a limited home range. The offshore form typically travels greater distances from the mainland but information on this form is limited. In North America, the bottlenose dolphins is found along both coasts of the United States. In the Atlantic, it is the most common dolphin species along the eastern coast from Cape Cod through the Gulf of Mexico.

The Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) may grow to be 7-10 feet long and weigh between 300-500 pounds. In the Mediterranean, the bottlenose dolphin can grow to 12 feet or more! The potential life span is as long as 35-50 years. It is generally accepted that female dolphins tend to live longer than male dolphins. Age is determined by examining a sliced section of a tooth and counting the growth layers much like you would count the growth rings in a tree.

The gestation period for bottlenose dolphins is between 11 and 12 months. A single calf is usually born during the spring or summer. The calf is usually 28 to 36 inches long and weighs 25 to 40 pounds at birth. It nurses from its mother for up to two years; mother's milk is very rich so the calf rapidly develops a thick insulating layer of blubber.

The typical social unit for bottlenose dolphins is a "school" of fewer than 15. Schools generally consist of mature females and their offspring. The dolphins in the school establish strong social bonds and a social hierarchy within the school. Dolphins establish dominance with threatening postures and gestures such as smacking their tails on the water, jaw snapping, raking, and also by physical fighting. Mature males often form bonds with one other male for life.

Dolphins are considered to be social animals. They engage in a great deal of play behavior. Dolphins sometimes jump out of the water and land on their backs or sides in a behavior called a breach. Chase sequences are a common form of play as well as playing with natural toys such as seaweed and leaves found in the water. Dolphins communicate through clicks and sounds similar to moans or whistles. It is believed that each dolphin has a "signature" whistle which identifies it to other dolphins.

Winter Panama Indy Nicholas

Dolphin Shows