

2012).Īverage body length for the coastal ecotype of this dolphin is around 2.6 m, with weights between 190–260 kg.

The differences between the two types are large enough that they may eventually be classified as separate species (Hammond et al. In some areas, distinct inshore and offshore populations can be found, with the inshore dolphins generally being smaller in size than the offshore dolphins. There are considerable regional variations in body size, to the extent that different “morphotypes” or “ecotypes” are recognised throughout its range (Oudejans et al. The body is streamlined with a tall, falcate (curved) dorsal fin located in the middle of their back. The bottlenose is a relatively large, robust dolphin. Some individuals may also have lighter colour on the sides. The bottlenose dolphin is a light grey to black colour dorsally, with white or cream colour underneath. Their beak contains 76–98 conically-shaped teeth. Their mouths are gently curved, dipping slightly downward from the tip of the beak and upwards at the base, giving them the appearance of smiling. Their name comes from their distinct rostrum (often referred to as a beak), which is typically 7–8 cm long.
COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN TV
Bottlenose dolphins are familiar from appearances in films and TV shows, as well as from being exhibited in numerous zoos and aquariums. It is a widespread and abundant species, occurring in tropical and temperate coastal and pelagic marine waters worldwide. The common bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) is perhaps one of the best-known cetaceans and likely what most people picture when they think of a dolphin.
