Dolphins are highly intellegent marine mammals and are part of the toothed whales that inclueds orcas and pilot whale. They are found worldwide, mostly shallow seas of the continental shelves, they are carnivores, they are mostly eating fish and squad. Dolphin coloration varies, but they are generally gray in color with darker backs than the rest of their bodies.
Dolphins consume a variety of fish, squad, and crustaceans.
It is difficult to estimate population numbers since there are many different species spanning a large geographic area.
Most species live in shallow areas of tropical and temperature oceans throughout the world. Only five species live in the worlds rivers.
Dolphins are well known for their agility and playful behavior, making them a favoriate of wildlife watchers. Many species will leap out of the water, spy-hop (rise vertically out of the water to view their surroundings) and following ships. Dolphins live in social groups of five to several hundred. They use echolocation to find prey and often hunt together by surronding a school of fish, trapping them and taking turns swimming through the school and catching fish. Dolphins will aslo follow seabirds, other whales, and fishing boats to feed opportunistically on the fish they scare up or discard.
Mating Season: Throughout the year, though in some areas there is a peak of spring and fall. Gestation:9-17 months depending on the species. When it is time to give birth, the female will distance herself from the pod, often going near the surface of the water. Number of offspring: Usally one calf; twins are rare. As soon as the calf is born, the mother must quickly take it to the surface so it can take its first breath. The calf will nurse from 11 months to 2 years, and after once the calf is done nursing, it will stay with its mother to 3-8 years old.