Dolphins are considered one of the most intelligent underwater inhabitants on Earth. Thousands of ecologists and scientists daily observe dolphins, study their behavior and regularly make amazing discoveries.

Dolphin - description and photos. What does a dolphin look like?

Some mistakenly believe that dolphins are fish. In fact, they belong to the class of mammals, and they are easy to recognize by the characteristic features of their appearance. They have an elongated body, starting with an elongated head and ending with a tail. At the top of the hull there is a long fin.

On the upper and lower jaws, 80-100 teeth are located, slightly directed inward. The eyes are located at the level of the corners of the mouth, and have poor eyesight, because for dolphins this organ of touch does not play an important role even during hunting.

The body is covered with fatty enzymes, providing easy gliding in the water. Due to this, they swim without encountering resistance, which allows them to develop high speed. However, this feature leads to the fact that the skin of the dolphin is constantly erased and washed off with water. Because of this, the body is forced to continuously regenerate the upper layer of the body, based on internal reserves.

Interesting fact: Dolphins molt so quickly that they can completely renew the top layer of skin in an hour. Thus, it can molt up to 24 times per day.

In length, various types of these creatures can grow up to 4.5-5 meters, although most of their representatives in size correspond to human dimensions. In color, different types are gray, blue, black and with different color pigments.

How do dolphins breathe?

With a detailed examination of the body of a mammal, it immediately catches the eye that it does not have gills. If in many fish the head is disconnected from the body by a cut under which the respiratory organs are hidden, then in the dolphin it is connected with it as a whole and has no pronounced boundaries. It can be assumed that since these creatures are mammals, they should not have gills, but they also lack nostrils on the tip of the nose. This begs the logical question: how do dolphins breathe?

On the animal’s head is a drawbar - a small hole that is tightly closed by a movable cover while it is under water. When a dolphin floats to the surface, it opens and air penetrates inside. The mammal has enough oxygen for a long time, so it can swim long distances underwater. However, sooner or later he will need to surface to take another breath.

Does the dolphin have ears?

There are no hearing organs on the dolphin's head, exactly like most underwater inhabitants. But they have a highly developed inner ear, reinforced by air cushions located in the upper part of the head. This feature of the body structure works as an accurate sonar.

Dolphins subtly sense the sound vibrations emitted by objects under water. Thanks to them, the source of sound is determined with incredible accuracy, and its dimensions are also recognized. Subtlely they feel the wavelength sent by creatures and objects in their direction. Thanks to this parameter, they can calculate the distance to the object.

A reliable sonar is an excellent substitute for low vision. Being under water, the dolphin does not need to look around and see the surroundings. It is only enough for him to feel the fluctuations in the water in order to form in the head the correct idea of ​​the environment.

How do dolphins sleep?

Considering that dolphins regularly need to float to the surface to get air, it is also impossible to spend a lot of time on the surface, because their delicate skin dries quickly and is damaged. Dolphins have a very interesting sleep experience.

Dolphins don’t sleep at all! However, any creature on Earth needs a rest, therefore dolphins also have a period during which they rest. Their body is designed in such a way that it can turn off one of the hemispheres of the brain. Thus, while the left is working, the right is in hibernation, then everything happens exactly the opposite. This allows the creature to relax, gain strength, but at the same time carry out simple actions such as swimming and climbing to the surface to produce oxygen.

How do dolphins drink

Mammals require regular fluid intake, but finding fresh water in the middle of the seas and oceans is quite difficult. Dolphins solve this problem with the help of food present in their diet. Since they cannot drink sea water, plankton, squid, and other local residents, which are about 80% water, which they themselves filter, serve as a source of liquid.

Since dolphins lack sweat glands, moisture is slowly eliminated from the body, which makes it possible to replenish its reserves not so often. Once having eaten squids, the animal can store water supplies for several days without problems until it can be replenished again.

How many dolphins live - in the wild, in captivity?

Dolphins are considered centenarians. Possessing an unusual body structure and body features that allow you to correctly allocate resources, they can live from 25 to 50 years. Moreover, this applies to most species, but there are those who, by average life expectancy, are able to compete with a person. For example, male killer whales live on average 55 years, and females live 85 years.

With captive dolphins, things are much worse. Individuals caught in dolphinariums or other artificial reservoirs can last only 10 years. This is due to unnatural environmental conditions, a disturbed feeding cycle, limited space and the banal stress that the animal is exposed to, which is why it cannot rest normally.

Interesting fact: record holder for longevity in a confined space - Moby dolphin. He lived for 58 years, and he spent only 10 on the outside. He spent the remaining 48 years at the dolphinarium.

Now mankind is actively raising questions regarding the content of dolphins in captivity. It is easy to guess that in the seas and oceans mammals could live several times longer than in captivity. Because of this, new artificial ponds are being designed to improve the habitat for dolphins and make it more natural. Environmental companies are also developing special programs and equipment to track dolphins in the wild and help them if necessary.

How much do dolphins weigh?

The mass of a mammal depends on its species. As a rule, newborn dolphins weigh up to 20 kg, and as they grow, they turn into an adult individual, whose mass is 150-200 kg. Bottlenose dolphins are considered the largest species - their mass can reach up to 300 kg.

Cetacean relatives of killer whales can weigh up to 10 tons.

Where do dolphins live?

Dolphins live in reservoirs located throughout the planet, some are found even in arctic waters. Most species live in the seas and oceans, but there are some types that prefer freshwater rivers. These include the Amazonian dolphin.

Mammals try to choose places where small fish are enough, since an adult requires about 30 kg of food per day to maintain the body in full working capacity and replenish nutrient reserves.

What do dolphins eat?

Most of the dolphins ’diet is fish; anchovies and sardines are particularly preferred. Animals try to hunt in a pack so that it is easier to catch prey.Having understood from the oscillations of the waves that there is a large school of small fish nearby, dolphins swim up to it from different directions and begin to make hostile sounds.

The prey is frightened and goes astray, and dolphins open their mouth with pleasure, literally crashing into a dense layer of fish.

Interesting fact: there were times when dolphins drove small fish into fishing nets in this way. Whether they did it on purpose or not, remains a mystery.

Dolphin behavior

Since dolphins are on a par with humanoid apes in terms of intelligence, their behavior is a little more than a set of instincts. Mammals live in packs, and constantly communicate with each other. Dolphin can make sounds of different intonations, transmitting the necessary information to relatives. For example, he warns of danger, asks to follow himself, etc. If desired, the creature can even “talk” in whole sentences, making a sequence of sounds.

Dolphins are known for their peaceful nature. They never conflict with their own kind, always compromising. Often a flock is ruled by a leader - the most experienced representative of the species, responsible for order.

Dolphin tongue

As mentioned above, dolphins communicate using sounds, sometimes building them into sentences. Each individual has a unique sounding voice, so that it can be distinguished from relatives. Dolphins are able to make many sounds, for example: twitter, whistle, barking, clicking, etc. Sometimes they transmit information even with the help of ultrasound.

Why are dolphins being washed ashore?

All over the world, cases are regularly recorded when dolphins are washed ashore. This behavior may be due to several reasons.

With the onset of old age, the echolocation ability of mammals is disrupted. Because of this, they are less oriented in space and can accidentally swim in shallow water. The closer the bottom gets to the dolphin, the harder it is to navigate. Because of this, he gradually comes ashore. Since animals swim in packs, relatives can try to help the victim, but in the end they will also end up on the shore.

If a ship sailing near dolphins transmits various signals, the latter can disorient the animal and cause them to swim in an unknown direction until it is on land. A similar effect is produced by water pollution: chemicals and litter degrade dolphin skills.

Interaction with other inhabitants can also lead to ashore. Pursuing prey or swimming away from a predator, the dolphin is forgotten and swims in shallow water.

Sharks and dolphins

Despite the fact that dolphins are peaceful creatures, and sharks are pronounced predators, they are in good relations with each other. Sharks often hunt along with dolphins, using their ability to drive prey into a heap.

Yes, there are times when a shark attacks a mammal, but does so during the struggle for the last pieces of food, and not in order to eat.

Dolphin's natural enemies

Since dolphins can grow up to 4 m in length, there are not many creatures under water that can compete with them in physical power. Perhaps sharks are one of the few inhabitants who can enter into an equal battle with them, and thanks to large teeth come out victorious.

Also for dolphins, the enemy is their elders gather - killer whales. Possessing large dimensions, they are able to displace swarms of mammals from habitable places and select food.

Unfortunately, a person can also be considered an enemy of dolphins, although they are unaware of this. People continuously pollute water bodies, worsening living conditions. Dolphins often fall under the propellers of boats and mistakenly eat garbage thrown into the water. And regular capture of animals for artificial reservoirs completely reduces their life by several times.

Dolphin species

On Earth, 17 main species of dolphins live, dividing into subgroups.They are also divided by type of water bodies where they can be found: sea, lake, etc. The main types of mammals include the following.

White-bellied Dolphin

He lives in the vicinity of Chile and is taken under protection by the local authorities, since he is on the verge of extinction. Distinctive features are the white belly, clearly visible against the background of a common gray carcass, as well as its small size: adult individuals grow up to 1.8 m in length.
Dolphin squirrel. It lives in many seas and oceans. It grows to 2.5 m and weighs an average of 70 kg. The animal has a three-color color: black top, yellowish sides and white bottom.

White-headed dolphin

Despite the fact that they can grow only up to 3 m, representatives of this species weigh as much as 250-300 kg. They live in the waters of Turkey, the North Atlantic and Portugal. Most species of small fish found along the way are eaten. They can also eat crustaceans. The main distinguishing feature is the white muzzle, while the body is black.

Big Tooth Dolphin

The main characteristic of the species is white spots on the gray torso and rather large teeth. It is found in the bays of North America and the Caribbean.

Bottlenose dolphin

Large species, the size of individuals which can reach 3.6 m. They have a brown color with a gray belly. They live in many seas, and are also found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Often used by people for demonstration in artificial ponds and water therapy.

Wide dolphin

The species prefers a tropical climate, which is why it is often found near the Hawaiian Islands. A distinctive feature is a wide muzzle with a large forehead, which ends on the same level as the mouth.

Chinese dolphin

Representatives of this species change their body color throughout life. They are born black, but gradually, as the molt fades, the body turns gray. Closer to the adult period, their skin whitens completely, acquiring a pink tint. In addition to everything, on the back of mammals there is a large hump that does not prevent them from swimming. Animals live exclusively in Asian waters, but during the breeding season they can migrate towards Africa and Australia.

Irrawaddy dolphin

They have a round muzzle, which lacks a beak. The body is gray with a blue tint. The upper fin is small and located far from the muzzle, located closer to the tail. As a habitat, they prefer to choose warm waters with a tropical climate.

Cruciform dolphin

One of the most beautiful species, having a black color with two large white spots in the form of an hourglass. They prefer the Arctic climate, so they can only be found in the waters of the Antarctic and Subantarctic. Adults grow up to 2 m and can weigh up to 100 kg.

Killer whale

The largest species of dolphins: adults can grow up to 10 m in length and weigh more than 10 tons! They have a massive body with a black top and white belly. Orcas are also easily recognized by white oval spots near their eyes. Mammals are found in all world waters, with the exception of cold climate seas.

Interesting fact: Orca teeth can grow up to 13 cm, they can compete with even the largest and most dangerous predators.

Each species of dolphins is unique in its own way, has interesting habits and distinctive features.

Male and female dolphins: the main differences

Externally, males and females of mammals are practically indistinguishable. They do not have pronounced signs by which to determine gender. The only difference between them is size. In the course of life, males grow larger.

Dolphin breeding, dolphin cubs

Dolphins do not have a specific time of year for mating games. They can do this business any day, depending on the surrounding conditions. Only male flocks are responsible for the production of offspring. He gradually pays attention to each female, after which they begin to bear cubs.

Dolphins are pregnant for a year and a half, and only one dolphin is born. During the gestation period, the female needs the help of the rest of the pack, as she becomes clumsy, loses reaction and is less well-oriented in space.

Childbirth takes place directly afloat, without any preparation. A baby is born about 50-60 cm in size and is completely ready for life under water. From the very first seconds, he follows his mother and feeds on her milk whenever possible. Its sonar works perfectly and allows you to see the surroundings.

Interesting fact: Only females are involved in raising young animals. Male dolphins are considered one of the most indifferent fathers.

People and dolphins

Creatures have long been firmly embedded in human life. In addition to the fact that people study these mammals, they try in every way to interact with them. Since dolphins are easily trained, they are used in various circus performances, as well as for medicinal purposes.

During the rehabilitation of children with neurological diseases, animals play the role of some mentors, helping to perform water exercises. Thanks to them, children feel support, quickly achieve positive results and are recovering.

Interesting fact: The most famous dolphin species is Bottlenose dolphin. He is better at training, and representatives of this type act in films, perform in a circus and “work” with people in other directions.

In addition to a great mind, dolphins have unlimited kindness. It is she who allows you to get closer to a person. Many cases were recorded when mammals sailed to the shipwreck, found surviving people and allowed them to hold on to themselves as if they were a lifebuoy. After that, they swam to land, so that the victims got ashore and were safe.

Dolphin therapy

Mammals are widely used in aquatic medicine. Dolphins under the supervision of trainers help to perform various exercises for pregnant women and children with diseases that disrupt coordination of movements. Dolphins are easy to learn and complete tasks.

Security

They try to take dolphins seriously around the world, as there are several species that are on the verge of extinction. One of these is Hector Maui, who lives in North Zealand. At the moment, this species has only 150 representatives left.

Since 1966, dolphin fishing was banned on the territory of the USSR, which helped many species to increase the population.