When most people think of dolphins, they might imagine the playful antics of performing animals at an amusement park or on TV. But have you ever taken the time to learn more about the fascinating creatures in the wild? Meet the Common dolphins, ocean swimmers known for their beauty, intelligence, and energetic displays.
Common dolphins are one of the most abundant marine mammals in the world and can be found in all the world's oceans. They are named for their commonality - "common" doesn't necessarily mean ordinary in this case. I was exploring Gibraltar when I came across a guide who said I had to check out these amazing creatures. Well as you all know I am always up for an adventure! Off we went on a 2 hour tour with Dolphins Adventure, http://www.dolphin.gi/, located at the Marina in Gibraltar. This trip did not disappoint. Our guide was informative for the entire 2 hour tour and a great spotter. Photographing these creatures was no easy task between a rocking boat and bullet fast dolphins. I did the feeling they enjoyed having their photo taken!
Appearance: Common dolphins have a distinctive look with a grayish-blue color on the upper sides and a light cream color on the belly running down to their throat. They have a sleek, streamlined shape that helps them swim up to 60 km/h (37 mph) through the water. They are generally a medium-sized species, with females growing between 1.7 - 2.6 m (5.6 - 8.5 ft) and males 1.9 - 2.8 m (6.2 - 9.2 ft), and they weigh between 100 - 150 kg (220 - 330 lbs).
Personality: Some might say that common dolphins are the life of the sea. They are incredibly social animals, often found in large pods of hundreds or even thousands of individuals. They are also known for their acrobatics, regularly leaping out of the water and doing flips - something that is always thrilling to see in person. These playful mammals are also a curious lot, often approaching boats to get a closer look at their human observers.
Diet and location: Common dolphins are opportunistic feeders, meaning they eat what they can find. They feed on a variety of fish and squid species, and even shrimp in shallow waters. Common dolphins are found in temperate and tropical waters around the world, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and even in the Mediterranean and Black seas.
Conservation: Thankfully, common dolphins are not currently classified as endangered, but this doesn't mean that they are immune to the various threats that come from humans, such as fishing nets, pollution, and collisions with boats. As part of our responsibility to protect our planet's biodiversity, it is vital that we work to keep these intelligent creatures thriving.
In summary, the common dolphins are a favorite among ocean lovers because of their agility, beauty, and friendly personalities. These inquisitive creatures remind us that our oceans are full of majestic creatures, and we should do our part to protect them. So if you happen to catch a glimpse of these magnificent swimmers during your ocean exploration, take a moment to appreciate their graceful beauty and playful nature.
Fun Facts:
Scientists have uncovered an amazing trait in dolphins - they give themselves names! By developing individual whistles, these aquatic mammals can tell each other apart and recognize the "names" of their peers. Fascinatingly smart creatures, indeed!
Dolphins are not just playful and intelligent; they also demonstrate a remarkable level of compassion. In the wild, these astounding animals have been observed forming pods to help their sick or injured members recover swiftly. It's amazing how selfless dolphins can be!
Unique among mammals, dolphins must stay semi-alert in order to keep breathing: they don't risk the chance of deep sleep where their lungs might forget to draw breath. To ensure this never happens, Dolphins split up 8 hours of restful shut eye between both sides of its brain - four hours for right side and another equally leisurely 4hrs for the left hemisphere! This remarkable ability allows them essential recuperation without ever losing alertness and control over vital functions like ventilation.
Just like each human has a unique fingerprint, dolphins have their own one-of-a-kind markings on the dorsal fin. These distinctive patterns of ridges, bumps and grooves can be used to identify individual marine mammals - even from far away!