Bottlenose Dolphin

Background

One of the most lovable creatures of the sea. The Bottlenose Dolphin can be found in the UK for most of the year around the west coasts of Wales and the east coasts of Scotland. This species is highly intelligent and uses pack hunting techniques and “clicks” to communicate with one another.

Habitat

This species lives in temperate and tropical oceans throughout the world. They prefer coastal and shallower waters so can be seen not far out to sea.

Diet

Bottlenose Dolphins feed on upto 15 kg of cephalopods, eels and schooling fish every day.

Predators & Threats

The most common predators of this species are killer whales and large sharks. However the most influential threat comes from anthropogenic sources. Dolphins, such as the Bottlenose, are hunted for their meat and to create other products, which has resulted in their local extinction in some areas of the world. Plastics, overfishing and entanglement are also responsible for dolphin fatalities.

Facts

• Dolphin pods generally consist of 10 to 25 individuals. However schools of upto 500 individuals have been recorded.
• Bottlenose dolphins use their tails to stun shoals of fish.

Best Time to Look

All year round.