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Dolphins Physical Characteristics

Dolphinaris brings you a complete study about dolphin physical characteristics. We know you are interested in learning more about bottlenose dolphin characteristics and that is why we have made this section of the encyclopedia.

Size and Weight

Bottlenose dolphins average 2.5 to 2.7 m. and weighed between 190 and 260 kg. Although in some regions they can average 3.7 m and weigh 454 kg. On average, full-grown males are slightly longer than females, and considerably heavier. As juveniles, however, females grow at a faster rate until about 10 years of age.

Body Shape

A bottlenose dolphin has a sleek, streamlined, fusiform body, adapted for life in an aquatic environment.

Coloration

Studies have shown coloration is a non-descript gray to gray-green or dark gray on the back, fading to white on the belly, lower jaw, and anal regions. The belly may be pinkish. This coloration, a type of camouflage known as counter shading, may help conceal a dolphin from predators and prey. When viewed from above, a dolphin's dark back surface blends with the dark depths. When seen from below, a dolphin's lighter belly blends with the bright surface of the sea.

Pectoral flippers

A dolphin's forelimbs are pectoral flippers. Pectoral flippers have the major skeletal elements of the forelimbs of land mammals, but they are foreshortened and modified. The skeletal elements are rigidly supported by connective tissue. Thick cartilage pads lie lengthwise between the bones. Dolphins use their pectoral flippers mainly to steer and, with the help of the flukes, to stop.

Head

A bottlenose dolphin has a well-defined rostrum.

Teeth are conical and interlocking; they are designed for grasping food. Most individuals have 20 to 25 teeth on each side of the upper jaw and 18 to 24 teeth on each side of the lower jaw. Glands at the inner corners of the eye sockets secrete and oily, jellylike mucus that lubricates the eyes, washes away debris, and probably helps streamline a dolphin's eye as it swims. This tear like film may also protect the eyes from infective organisms. Ears, located just behind the eyes, are small inconspicuous openings, with no external pinnae (flaps). A single blowhole, located on the dorsal surface of the head, is covered by a muscular flap. The flap provides a water-tight seal. A bottlenose dolphin breathes through its blowhole. The blowhole is relaxed in a closed position. To open the blowhole, a bottlenose dolphin contracts the muscular flap.