Dolphins are the most loved aquatic mammals. They are found in different species all over the world. According to research, there are 49 dolphin species worldwide.
Dolphins are strange and interesting creatures. Some are very fast, others have acrobatic features, and some are furious.
However, the facts about dolphins are enormous. In this guide, we will explore the top 10 interesting facts about dolphins you will love to know.
So, let us dive in quickly.
1. There are 49 different species of dolphins
Do you know there are 49 different species of dolphins? Yes, it’s true, and that’s quite a significant number! These 49 dolphin species are then divided into six families. Only experts can name all these. Can you name a few dolphin species?
The dolphin species include the pink-colored Amazon River Dolphin, bottlenose, Orca, and spotted dolphin. Dolphins live in both the river and the ocean.
The oceanic dolphin family is the largest one. Several dolphins belong to the river, including the Indus River dolphin.
2. Dolphins stay with their families for life
Dolphins love being with their families. They are very dedicated to their families. Dolphins are very social and cannot go alone without their family.
They typically form matriarchal societies. They stay with their family groups for their entire lives. Males may sometimes form smaller groups but usually return to their pods.
It is only death that can separate dolphins from each other.
3. Largest Dolphins In Orca Whale
The largest member of the dolphin family is the Orca or killer whale. It grows up to 30 feet and weighs around 12000 pounds. Typically, dolphins grow up to 7 to 8 feet, but Orca whales are four times larger than the average.
Killer whales are dolphins and are the apex predators of the sea. Despite their name, there are almost no recorded attacks on humans in the wild.
4. Dolphins have more than one stomach
Do you know how dolphins eat so much? The interesting fact is that dolphins have more than one stomach. In one stomach, they keep their prey; in the other, they digest it.
Dolphins swallow their prey whole, so they have multiple stomachs to digest their food properly, similar to cows.
5. Dolphins can live to over 50 years in the wild
Dolphins live an average life of 60 years. In the wild, dolphins can live between 45-60 years. However, a dolphin’s lowest age is around twenty years, and the highest is 90 years.
The oldest recorded bottlenose dolphin, Nicklo, was 66. The oldest killer whale, Granny, lived to be 90.
6. Some dolphins can swim up to speeds of 35mph
Dolphins are incredibly fast swimmers—faster than even Usain Bolt. Bottlenose dolphins can reach speeds of 18 mph, and orcas, the fastest dolphins, can swim up to 35 mph.
7. Dolphins have unique names
Dolphins are very intelligent and have a good memory compared to other aquatic mammals. They have individual “names” identified by unique whistles.
When calling every other dolphin, they whistle differently, and that dolphin responds later. Pregnant dolphins even start teaching their calves these whistles before they are born.
8. Dolphin skin regenerates quickly
Dolphins don’t remain injured or with skin tears for a long time. They have a special system that regenerates their skin quickly.
A big injury can even be healed within hours. They regenerate their skin every two hours to stay sleek and swift in the water.
Due to special stem cells, dolphins can also heal from injuries quickly. It is rare to see a dolphin with bare skin on its body.
9. Dolphins Can Turn Their Heads 180 degrees
Even though dolphins have thick necks, some can turn their heads 180°. The Amazon River dolphin can turn its head 180 degrees due to fused neck vertebrae.
A dolphin’s fused neck helps it navigate through its river habitat. This turning neck also helps dolphins monitor and watch their surroundings.
10. Dolphins use sonar to communicate
It is my favorite fact about dolphins. Hear it. Dolphins are not submarines but use echolocation to see and communicate underwater. Communicating with dolphins is one of the most mesmerizing experiences you can have.
They send sonar waves that bounce off objects, helping them “see” in 3D.
Conclusion
Dolphins are truly wondrous creatures. These top 10 facts about dolphins flabbergasted every individual. It is hard to comprehend dolphins are like humans, machines, and robots.
These facts keep dolphins distinct from other aquatic species. Dolphins are so intelligent, social, friendly, human friends, helpful, playful, and athletic. Each act just melts the hearts of the viewers.
That was all from my side.
Among these ten facts about dolphins, which one is your favorite? Tell it in the comments.