What is an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin?

The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin is a member of the bottlenose dolphin family, but they are smaller than common bottlenose dolphins and have a slightly longer beak.

Unlike common bottlenose dolphins, they also have black spots on their bellies. The size and number of these spots vary among individuals, and some individuals have very few spots. They prefer shallow coastal waters and are often seen around coral reefs. They are highly intelligent and curious animals, and often approach humans or swim alongside boats. They are also playful and are known for leaping out of the water and spinning.

What do Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins eat?

Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins are carnivores, feeding mainly on fish, squid, and octopus.

They use their sharp teeth to catch prey. They may hunt alone, but they often hunt cooperatively in groups, herding and encircling their prey. They also use echolocation to find their prey. By emitting sound waves, they can understand their surroundings and pinpoint the location of their prey.

[Quiz!] How do Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins sleep?

Dolphins cannot sleep soundly like humans.

They only sleep with one half of their brain at a time, keeping the other half awake. This is because they need to surface to breathe and must be constantly alert for predators. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins sleep with one eye closed, resting one half of their brain while the other eye remains open to watch for danger. After a while, they switch eyes and rest the other half of their brain. This is how they rest by sleeping with one half of their brain at a time.

[Quiz!] How are Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin calves raised?

Female Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 12 months.

Calves are about 3.3 feet (1 meter) long at birth and can swim immediately. They nurse from their mothers for about a year and a half. Mothers are very protective of their calves and raise them with care. Calves learn how to swim, hunt, and communicate from their mothers. They reach adulthood and become sexually mature at around 3 to 6 years old.

[Quiz!] Are Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins endangered?

The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin is listed as 'Near Threatened' on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

This means they are likely to become endangered in the near future. There are three main reasons for their decline:

・Marine Pollution: Marine pollution is reducing their food sources, such as fish and squid, and is also affecting their health.

・Bycatch: They can get caught accidentally in fishing nets.

・Coastal development: Coastal development is destroying their habitat.

To protect Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, it is crucial to reduce marine pollution, reduce bycatch from fishing, and regulate coastal development.