Classification:

Mammal

Weight:

Up to 300 kg

Lifespan:

25 - 40 years

Habitat:

All oceans of the world from the tropics to the temperate regions.

Locations:

Hector's dolphin lives in the offshore water of New Zealand. Spotted dolphins live in deep ocean waters. Peale's dolphin is native to cold waters of the Atlantic and Pacific off the southern part of South America.

Food:

Herring, mackerel, and sardines

Fun Fact:

Bottlenose dolphins can dive to depths of over 500 m.
Each dolphin has almost 100 teeth and the teeth are used for catching food, but not for chewing because dophins swallow the food whole without chewing.

Adaptation Features:

They have their echolocation (sonar system) to locate fish by sending out a stream of pulses and clicks. The dolphin's skin is completely smooth allowing the dolphin to move easily through the water, and also reduce heat loss.

Why is it our favourite mammal?

It is gentle, cute and intelligent.