A bottlenose dolphin swimming in clear blue water
Photo: NASA · Public domain
Mammal

Bottlenose Dolphin Facts Tursiops truncatus

MammalTemperate and tropical oceansCarnivore

Common bottlenose dolphins are social marine mammals found in warm and temperate seas. They use whistles, body language, and echolocation to communicate and navigate.

Habitat
Marine
Diet
Fish, squid, and crustaceans
Lifespan
40–60 years

Classification

Family: Delphinidae. Order: Artiodactyla.

Bottlenose Dolphin Habitat

Bottlenose Dolphins live in Marine and Coastal habitats. Their recorded range includes Temperate and tropical oceans. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.

What Do Bottlenose Dolphins Eat?

Diet classification: Carnivore. Recorded foods: Fish, squid, and crustaceans.

Bottlenose Dolphin Lifespan, Size, and Weight

Recorded lifespan: 40–60 years. Recorded size: 200–400 cm. Recorded weight: 150–650 kg.

Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation Status

Bottlenose Dolphin is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Region
Temperate and tropical oceans
Habitat
Marine, Coastal
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
40–60 years
Size
200–400 cm
Weight
150–650 kg

Fun facts

  • Each dolphin develops a distinctive signature whistle used like a name.
  • Echolocation clicks reveal the distance and shape of nearby objects.
  • Some populations use sponges to protect their snouts while foraging.
  • They surface voluntarily to breathe through a single blowhole.

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Sources and image credit

Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.