The common bottlenose dolphin is probably the most famous dolphin in the world !

The common bottlenose dolphin measures on average 6.5 to 13 feet in length and can weigh up to 660 lbs. Its sickle-shaped dorsal fin and streamlined body allow it to swim fast and perform spectacular leaps out of the water. Its dark gray back and lighter belly help it camouflage itself from predators.

The common bottlenose dolphin inhabits temperate and tropical waters worldwide, including the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, as well as some seas such as the Mediterranean sea.

Depending on the population, some individuals remain in the same region year-round, while others migrate seasonally according to water temperature and prey availability.

The common bottlenose dolphin lives in a wide variety of marine environments and can be found in shallow coastal waters, deeper offshore areas, bays, estuaries, and along continental shelves. It particularly favors regions rich in fish, where food is abundant.

Common bottlenose dolphins live in groups called schools or pods, ranging from a few individuals to several dozen. They often play together, cooperate while hunting, and care for younger members. This strong social bond is essential for their survival.

The common bottlenose dolphin mainly feeds on fish, squid and crustaceans. It often hunts in groups by surrounding schools of fish to make capture easier. It also uses echolocation, a natural sonar system, to detect prey even in murky or dark waters.

Female common bottlenose dolphins give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 12 months. The calf stays with its mother for several years to learn how to hunt and interact socially. Common bottlenose dolphins can live 40 to 50 years and sometimes even longer.

The common bottlenose dolphin is known for its remarkable intelligence. It has a highly developed brain and uses a complex system of sounds and whistles to communicate. Each individual can even have a unique signature whistle, similar to a name, which allows other dolphins to recognize it.

The common bottlenose dolphin is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The common bottlenose dolphin appears in the IUCN Red List since 2019 within the category Least Concern !