Most people have probably know the TV series “Flipper” where the main animal protagonist is a trained bottlenose dolphin. Bottlenose dolphins are some of the most common and well-known members of the Dolphin family.
Bottlenose dolphins in the Fiji Islands (Tursiops aduncus)
Bottlenose dolphins inhabit warm and temperate seas worldwide, they live in pods of 30 to 40 animals. Sometimes Superpods of over 1000 animals are seen.
They hunt in groups for fish, squid, and crustaceans.
They do also form opportunistic groups with other dolphins or whales. This behavior may serve protection by simply being a larger group, as well as being a benefit while hunting.
Bottlenose dolphins can grow to be very large, over 3 meters long, and are a very impressive sight in the water.
Bottlenose dolphins have been well studied, they have the largest brain in ratio to the body mass of any animal. The latest research shows high intelligence, emotional intelligence, as well as complex communication.
When in the water with them, one can clearly hear their whistles and clicks with which the echolocate their surroundings and communicate.
Their echolocation, when directly hit, produces a prickling sensation on the skin.
Bottlenose dolphins show often great curiosity to humans in the water. There are even historical reports about the rescue of humans in distress.
Because of their high intelligence, social skills and playfulness, they can be found in aquariums all over the world. This is very controversial because they are kept in very small spaces. On the other hand, this gives many people the only chance to see live dolphins and can thus raise awareness for their protection.
They are also trained by the army as military dolphins (also highly controversial).
“Dolphin encounter” tour operators that take guests out to see wild or captured dolphins exist in many countries. It is usually restricted to passive observation only, with a strict code of practice.
Fortunately for dolphin-watching enthusiasts, wild dolphins often like to approach boats and ride the bow wave. Most in-water encounters with wild bottlenose dolphins are random encounters when swimming snorkeling or diving.
All images here are taken between Ovalau and Wakaya.
