Creature FeatureCreature Feature

Tursiops truncatus

6-13 ft in length and weigh 330-1400 lbsDiet consists mainly of eels, squid, shrimp

and wide variety of fishesWorks together in groups to harvest

schools of fishSwallows food whole

SleepingOne brain

hemisphere remains active while the other hemisphere shuts downSleeping cycle lasts for approximately 8 hours during each 24 hour periodIn increments of several minutes (or less) to

several hours. While sleeping, dolphins remain near the surface

swimming slowly or "logging", occasionally closing one eye

ReproductionMale has a slit on his

belly which contains his retractable penis

Mating occurs with the male and female in contact belly to belly

Males can produce highly concentrated sperm, but only during the mating season

Don’t waste energy on sperm production during times when sex is mostly social

ConservationMarine Mammal

Protection ActOften caught as bycatch

High levels of metal contaminants have been measured in tissue samples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8KWX0GRCx4&feature=related