Dolphins

Striped Dolphin

Prey: Krill or other crustaceans, fish, squid or octopus

Adult weight: 200-330 pounds (90-150 kg)

Length: New born- 39 inches (1 m) | Adult- 6-8.25 feet (1.8- 2.5 m)

Threats: hunting/whaling, entanglement n fishing nets

Range: Warm temperature, subtropical and tropical waters around the world

Behavior: Striped dolphins are very active. They frequently breach, sometimes as high as 23 feet. They are also capable of amazing acrobatics such as back somersaults, tail-spins, and upside down proposing. Striped dolphins can dive down to at least 655 feet deep and are able to hold their breath for 5 to 10 minutes. They typically do not bow-ride but in some areas, mainly the Atlantic and Mediterranean, will approach vessels.

Rough Toothed Dolphin

Prey: Fish, krill or other crustaceans

Adult weight: 220-300 pounds (100-150 kg)

Length: Newborn- 39 inches (1m) | Adult- 7- 8.5 feet (2.1- 2.6 M)

Threats: hunting/whaling, entanglement n fishing nets

Range: Deep tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate water around the world

Behavior: This pelagic species is very hard to observe in the wild. They can stay submerged for as long as 15 minutes and will rarely breach. Rough toothed dolphins are also very fast swimmers and show their dorsal fins and a small back of their back while swimming on the surface.

Risso’s Dolphin

Prey: Squid or octopus, fish

Adult weight: 660-1,100 pounds (300-500 kg)

Length: Newborn- 4.25 – 5.75 feet (1.3- 1.7 m) | Adult- 8.5- 12.5 feet (2.6- 3.8 m)

Threats: hunting/whaling, entanglement n fishing nets

Range: deep tropical and warm temperature waters in northern and southern hemispheres

Behavior: The younger Risso’s dolphins like to breach but as they become older, they tend only to half-breach. They seldom bow-ride but may be seen swimming along a vessel or in its wake. Typically dives for 1 to 2 minutes then takes up to a dozen breaths at 15 to 20 second intervals. They can however, stay underwater for up to 30 minutes.

Harbor Porpoise

Prey: Fish, squid or octopus, krill or other crustaceans

Adult weight: 125-145 pounds (5 kg)

Length: Newborn- 26-34 inches (67-85 cm)

Threats: hunting/whaling, entanglement n fishing nets, pollution, habitat destruction, human disturbance

Range: Cold temperate and subarctic waters of the northern hemisphere

Behavior: When they travel, they will surface up to 8 times at 1-minute intervals. When they are chasing their prey, they may make arc-shapes leaps. They may have long periods of stillness when resting on the surface. When they surface to breathe and blow it is rarely seen but it can be heard.

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