BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

Tursiops truncatus

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IUCN Red List Status: Data Deficient (DD)

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BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

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Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821) Tursiops truncatus (Montagu, 1821)

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Description

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The bottlenose dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin (2). There appear to be two main varieties; a smaller, inshore form and a larger, more robust form that lives mainly offshore (6). This stocky species has a torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers (2). They are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly (7). The sickle-shaped dorsal fin is tall, and positioned centrally on the back; variations in the shape of the dorsal fin along with scars and other markings on the skin can help researchers to identify individuals (8).