common bottlenose dolphin

mammal

Also known as: Tursiops truncatus

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July 20, 2026

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The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a marine mammal found globally in warm and temperate seas. These dolphins are known for their bottle-shaped snout and a mouth that curves into what appears to be a smile. They typically grow to about 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) in length and weigh between 135 to 300 kg (300 to 650 pounds), with males generally being larger than females.1

Bottlenose dolphins are recognized for their high intelligence, complex communication through sounds and ultrasonic pulses, and remarkable social memory, capable of recognizing individuals after 20 years. They have also shown signs of self-awareness, a trait uncommon in the animal kingdom, by recognizing their reflections in mirrors. These dolphins are adaptable, living in social pods with flexible membership, and are carnivorous, feeding on fish, squid, and invertebrates. While bottlenose dolphins are currently listed as a species of least concern, other dolphin species face risks of extinction.1234

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dolphin
…species are the common and bottlenose dolphins (Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus, respectively). The bottlenose, characterized by a “built-in smile” formed by the curvature of its mouth, has become a familiar performer in oceanariums. It has also become the subject of scientific studies because of its intelligence and ability to…
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…species are the common and bottlenose dolphins (Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus, respectively). The bottlenose, characterized by a “built-in smile” formed by the curvature of its mouth, has become a familiar performer in oceanariums. It has also become the subject of scientific studies because of its intelligence and ability to…
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bottlenose dolphin
The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), which is the most widely recognized dolphin species, is found worldwide in warm and temperate seas. In contrast, the Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus) inhabits continental shelf areas of the Indian Ocean and the waters fringing Southeast Asia, Indonesia
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The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), which is the most widely recognized dolphin species, is found worldwide in warm and temperate seas. In contrast, the Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin (T. aduncus) inhabits continental shelf areas of the Indian Ocean and the waters fringing Southeast Asia, Indonesia
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sound reception
Marine mammals
…range in one species, the bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). By a conditioned-response method, it has been found that this animal possesses excellent auditory sensitivity that extends well into the high frequencies.
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…range in one species, the bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). By a conditioned-response method, it has been found that this animal possesses excellent auditory sensitivity that extends well into the high frequencies.
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