The most familiar of the dolphins and the most likely to be seen from British shores, the bottlenose dolphin is found all round the world. In the UK, the best places to see these dolphins are the Moray Firth in Scotland, Cardigan Bay in Wales and the coasts of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. Bottlenose dolphins are large, fairly plain grey dolphins, darker grey above and paler below. They have a short beak and a large triangular dorsal fin that curves backwards.
Behaviour
Bottlenose dolphins are social animals, usually found in small groups of up to 15 individuals. They are very acrobatic, often jumping out of the water or even doing somersaults. The bottlenose dolphin feeds on fish such as salmon, flatfish, herring, mackerel and cod.
Size
- Length: up to 4m
- Weight: 500kg
- Average Lifespan: 45-50 years
Status
Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, listed under CITES Appendix II and classified as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Also protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995
Distribution
Found all around the UK. The only population of bottlenose dolphins that is resident in the UK all year round lives in the Moray Firth.
When to see
January – December
Facts
- Bottlenose dolphins often catch their prey by striking the fish with their tails to stun them.
- They can swim at speeds of up to 30km an hour and dive to depths of 250m.