Dolphins
Dolphins are one of the most clever animals in the world. Dolphins are not fish. They are sea mammals.
Although they live underwater, dolphins must come up to the surface to breath air. A dolphin breathes through what's called a 'blowhole', a hole at the top of its head.
Although they live underwater, dolphins must come up to the surface to breath air. A dolphin breathes through what's called a 'blowhole', a hole at the top of its head.
What do they look like?
Dolphins are often grey. Their bodies are smooth and sleek. They have a powerful tail and pointed flippers. They also have a fin on their back.
Photo from Pixabay is in the public domain.
A dolphin has a nose called a beak. It also has a curved mouth. Its mouth makes it look like it's always smiling.
How do they live?
They can swim swiftly. They are so speedy that they are the fastest of all the sea mammals.
Dolphins glide gracefully through the water using their powerful tail and pointed flippers. They can dive deep down below the surface.
Dolphins glide gracefully through the water using their powerful tail and pointed flippers. They can dive deep down below the surface.
They are friendly creatures. They travel in groups, called 'pods', of around 10 to 15 dolphins. In these groups they play and hunt together.
Dolphins also work together to help when one animal is sick, hurt, or having a baby. They take turns pushing the hurt or young dolphin to the surface so it can breathe.
Some dolphins are trained to do tricks. They live in water parks and their tricks entertain the park's visitors.
They can be seen flipping (or 'breaching') out of the water. In fact, they can leap up to five metres out of the water before crashing back down with a splash! |
Photo from Pixabay is in the public domain.
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How do they talk?
They send each other messages in different ways. They squeak and whistle. They also leap out of the water, snap their jaws and even hit heads!
What do they eat?
They mainly eat fish, but they also eat shrimp and squid.
A shrimp
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A squid
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Where do they live in the wild?
Dolphins live in all the oceans around the world. Some dolphins live in the sea near England, so you may be able to spot one!
Fabulous fact
Dolphins make high-pitched clicks to help them know where they are going and to find food. Using sounds this way is called 'echolocation'. When the clicking sounds hit an object in the water - such as a rock or fish - they bounce back to the dolphin as echoes. From this, they can work out where things are and the size and shape of objects.
Dolphins make high-pitched clicks to help them know where they are going and to find food. Using sounds this way is called 'echolocation'. When the clicking sounds hit an object in the water - such as a rock or fish - they bounce back to the dolphin as echoes. From this, they can work out where things are and the size and shape of objects.