The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin, Spotted Bottlenose Dolphin – Tursiops aduncus is a species of oceanic dolphin found in warm waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region. They are commonly observed in coastal waters, estuaries, and bays. These dolphins are known for their distinctive spotted patterns and robust build.
Description & Characteristics
The Tursiops aduncus is a medium-sized dolphin, typically reaching a length of 2.3-3.5 meters and weighing 150-300 kilograms. Their body is typically gray in color, with a lighter underside. Distinctive spots and blotches, often darker than their base coloration, are scattered across their bodies. These spots become more pronounced with age. They have a prominent dorsal fin, which is slightly hooked in shape, and a long, slender beak with numerous teeth. The Tursiops aduncus has a well-defined neck, and flippers are large and paddle-shaped, providing them with excellent maneuverability in the water.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Tursiops aduncus is predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas. They are often found in coastal waters, estuaries, and bays. These dolphins are highly adaptable and can tolerate a range of salinity levels, allowing them to thrive in both marine and brackish environments. They generally favor waters with depths of less than 100 meters, but they can venture into deeper waters when foraging.
Taxonomy
The Tursiops aduncus belongs to the Class: Mammalia, Order: Cetartiodactyla, and Family: Delphinidae. This classification places them within the larger group of toothed whales, sharing common ancestry with other dolphins, porpoises, and whales.
Feeding
The Tursiops aduncus is a carnivorous animal, with a diet consisting primarily of fish, squid, and crustaceans. Their feeding habits are opportunistic, often targeting schools of small fish like sardines, as well as coralfish, sepia, and various types of crustaceans. They use echolocation to locate prey and employ a variety of hunting techniques, often cooperating as a group to corner and capture their meals.
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