Basic Information

According to the National Geographic website, the Bottlenose Dolphin's scientific name is Tursiops truncatus. They are classified into scientific class Mammalia, which means they are mammals. These gorgeous mammals are in the scientific order Cetacea. This order includes large aquatic mammals with flippers as forelimbs, a horizontally flattened tail, one or two nostrils at the top of their head for breathing, and hind limbs are not present. Bottlenose Dolphins can grow up to be 10-14ft and weigh as much as 1,100lbs. Bottlenose Dolphins are mostly found in Tropical oceans, sometimes in other warm water around the world. Dolphins often feed on bottom-dwelling fish and sometimes squid or shrimp. However; while following fishing boats, in hopes of leftovers, they may become entangled in the fishing nets. According to WWF.org Bottlenose Dolphins endangered status is "least concern" which means they are doing perfectly fine population wise.