Bottlenose dolphins are robust, grey cetaceans that grow to around 1.4 m and are among the most familiar marine mammals in temperate and tropical waters worldwide. Their distinctive short, blunt snout and stocky build make them easy to recognise, and they often approach divers with evident curiosity. Highly social and vocal, they hunt cooperatively for fish and squid, sometimes using mud to herd prey into tight balls. Sightings are common in coastal zones, bays, and estuaries, where small populations often become year-round residents.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Cetartiodactyla
- Family
- Delphinidae
- Genus
- Tursiops
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.