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Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus
   

Fun Facts
    • The bottlenose dolphin uses echolocation to find its prey.
    • Bottlenose dolphins have cone-like pointed teeth.
   
 

Description

  
  The bottlenose dolphin is a type of marine mammal that is found both offshore and in coastal waters. They occur in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide. The body is stout but streamlined, varying from dark grey at the top near the dorsal fin to very light grey and almost white on the underside. Bottlenose dolphins feed on small fish, crustaceans, and squid. They search for food using a form of sonar called echolocation. Rapid clicks are emitted through the fatty tissue in their forehead, called a melon. The clicks bounce off prey and reflect back to the animal. Their specialized lower jaw transmits the sound to their brain where an acoustic picture is created. Bottlenose dolphins live about 45 to 50 years. Female bottlenose dolphins mature at around 5 to 13 years of age and males mature at 9 to 14 years. Gestation is 12 months and births can occur at any time of year. More information on bottlenose dolphins can be found at the Aquarium in the Whales & Dolphins Room and in the courtyard.  
   
 
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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, CA 90731, 310-548-7562
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks with support from FRIENDS of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.
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