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20 Fun Dolphin Facts

Veggies

Dolphins Are Carnivores

1. Dolphins eat fish, squid, crustaceans & more. They work together to trap prey and swallow it whole. 2. Some dolphins force prey into corners or shallow water to make escape difficult. They have teeth for defense and gripping.

Dolphins Only Sleep with Half of Their Brain

Dolphins sleep with half their brain, keeping watch while resting. This unique adaptation ensures breathing control and vigilance against predators

Some Whales are Actually Dolphins

Orcas, commonly known as killer whales, are the largest members of the dolphin family. They earned their name from ancient sailors who witnessed their hunting prowess on other whale species

A Dolphin Can Swim More than 20MPH

Dolphins are incredibly fast swimmers, reaching speeds up to 25 mph. They use their flexible flukes as wings to generate thrust and propel through the water, but the precise control of fluke flexibility remains a fascinating mystery for researchers

Dolphins Do Not Have Hair

Dolphins have minimal hair and no sweat glands. Their thick, constantly shedding epidermis keeps their rubbery skin smooth and aids efficient swimming

A Group of Dolphins is Called a Pod

Dolphins live in social pods, ranging from 2 to 15 individuals. Multi-generational, they form hierarchies and show dominance through biting, chasing, tail smacking, and even scratching each other with their teeth

Canicross

Endangered Dolphin Species

Endangered Dolphins: Bottlenose dolphins thrive while Maui's, Hector's, Indus/Ganges River dolphins, and the Baiji face heightened risk of extinction

Dolphins' Extended Breath-holding

Dolphins excel in breath-holding, staying submerged for up to 15 minutes. Their unique lung composition and selective circulation enable efficient oxygen transfer and survival underwater.

43 Dolphin Species

Diverse Dolphin Species: 43 types exist, with colorful variations and freshwater representatives like the well-known bottlenose and Amazon River dolphins

Amazon River Dolphins Exist

The Amazon River dolphin, also known as the Boto, is a unique species known for its pink or grey color. They are large, solitary dolphins with flexible necks and can adapt to navigate through obstacles in the river.

The Size of Dolphins Varies

Dolphin sizes vary based on factors like species, age, and sex. The smallest is Maui's dolphin at 5.5 feet, while orcas can reach 25 feet or more. An average dolphin is around 8 feet, with males usually larger. Baby dolphins range from 2 to 7 feet and take years to reach adulthood