Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin

mammal

Also known as: Tursiops aduncus

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June 22, 2026

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The Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) is a species of oceanic dolphin found in the waters of the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Australia. These mammals are characterized by their bottle-shaped snouts and typically reach lengths of 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet).1

Bottlenose dolphins are known for their intelligence, exhibiting long social memories and the ability to recognize individual dolphins after many years. They communicate through a variety of sounds, including whistles and ultrasonic pulses, and some have demonstrated self-awareness by recognizing their reflections. Dolphins also display problem-solving skills and tool use, such as using sponges to protect their snouts while foraging. They are social animals, living in pods with flexible membership and engaging in cooperative care for their young.12

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bottlenose dolphin
In contrast, the Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus) inhabits continental shelf areas of the Indian Ocean and the waters fringing Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Australia. The southern Australian bottlenose dolphin (T. australis), or Burrunan dolphin, is considered by some researchers to be a
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In contrast, the Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus) inhabits continental shelf areas of the Indian Ocean and the waters fringing Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Australia. The southern Australian bottlenose dolphin (T. australis), or Burrunan dolphin, is considered by some researchers to be a
Read More