Delphinidae:
Dolphins belong to the order Cetacea and are included in the family Delphinidae. There are about 30 species in this family, including dolphins, pilot whales, killer whales, and false killer whales.
Latin Lingo - Decode each dolphin's scientific name.
Anatomy:
A dolphin has a streamlined body to swim easily through water.
- Dorsal fin - acts as a keel giving some stability as it swims.
- Fluke - Each lobe of the dolphin's tail is called a fluke. Using muscles along its back and tail, dolphins move its flukes up and down to move forward through the water.
- Pectoral flippers - Dolphins use its pectoral flippers to steer.
- Blowhole - A dolphin breathes through its blowhole that is located on top of its head.
Diet:
Dolphins are carnivores - they eat fish, squid, and crustaceans. They swallow their food whole or in large chunks.
Reproduction:
The gestation period is about 12 months. Baby dolphins are called calves. They are born in the water. A Calf may nurse for about eighteen months, but it begins to eat a few fish at about three to four months.
Predators:
Some shark species are predators of bottlenose dolphins. Large adult male dolphins offer protection against predators.
