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Where do the dolphins live?

Have you ever wondered were do dolphins live?, well, Dolphinaris has brought an answer to your question. Bottlenose dolphins are found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters, absent only from 45 degrees pole ward in either hemisphere.

In the Pacific Ocean, bottlenose dolphins are found from northern Japan to Australia and from southern California to Chile. They are also found offshore in the eastern tropical Pacific as far west as the Hawaiian Islands. Off the California coast bottlenose dolphins have been observed as far north as Monterey, particularly during years of unusual warmth.

In the Atlantic Ocean, bottlenose dolphins are found from Nova Scotia to Patagonia and from Norway to the tip of South Africa. They are the most abundant dolphin species along the United States coast from Cape Cod through the Gulf of Mexico.

Bottlenose dolphins are also found in the Mediterranean Sea, and in the Indian Ocean from Australia to South Africa. 

Habitat

Bottlenose dolphin’s habitats are the pelagic zone as well as harbors, bays, lagoons, gulfs, and estuaries. In the northwest Atlantic there seem to be at least two ecotypes (forms) of the bottlenose dolphin. They can be differentiated by skull and body measurements as well as by characteristics of their blood.

In general, the coastal ecotype seems to be adapted for warm, shallow waters. Its smaller body and larger flippers suggest increased maneuverability and heat dissipation. These dolphins frequent harbors, bays, lagoons, and estuaries.

In general, the offshore ecotype seems to be adapted for cooler, deeper waters. Certain characteristics of its blood indicate that this form may be better suited for deep diving. Its larger body helps to conserve heat and defend itself against predators.

Migration

Variations in water temperature, movements of food fish, and feeding habits may account for the seasonal movements of some dolphins to and from certain areas.

Some coastal dolphins in higher latitudes show a clear tendency toward seasonal migrations, traveling further south in the winter. Those in warmer waters show less extensive, localized seasonal movements.

Some coastal animals stay within a limited home ranges (an area in which individuals or groups regularly move about during day-to-day activities). Home ranges may overlap.

Population

The worldwide population of bottlenose dolphins is unknown. Specific bottlenose dolphin populations in a few areas have been estimated.

In the United States Gulf of Mexico, their numbers are estimated to be at least 67,000. The populations found in the western North Pacific and along Japanese coasts are estimated at about 35,000. In US waters of the western North Atlantic, the bottlenose population is estimated at about 11,700. Of these, at least 9,200 are offshore animals. The Mediterranean population is estimated at less than 10,000. Bottlenose dolphins are not endangered.