Bottlenose dolphin

Introduction: The best known species of dolphin is the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) not only due to its appearance on the Flipper TV series, but because of the inshore distribution within the world's oceans that has enabled extensive research over the years. It is also a regular in dolphinariums, performing alongside killer whales shooting their handlers out of the water to the delight of a captive audience. There are 2 forms of bottlenose found off the coastal regions of southern Africa, the west coast, (slightly larger) than the east coast form. They can be habitually found in water less than 50m deep, a supply source of food that is of a primarily commercially unimportant value. Therefore they are usually found in groups of between 30-50 individuals close to the shoreline. They communicate with audible whistling sounds, and high-frequency sounds are used during echolocation.

Distribution: The coastal region of Namibia from Walvis Bay and Swakopmund northwards.

Diet: Mostly small fish, squid, eels and shrimps.

Colouring: Grey body with a lighter belly.

Breeding: Females undergo a 12 month gestation period every 2 or 3 years and give birth to a single calf.

Size: Length 3.5m. Weight 450kg. The calf is 1m long and weighs around 15kg.