Dolphins are widely known for their intelligence, active nature, and friendly disposition. From bottlenose dolphins to killer whales, these aquatic animals are beloved worldwide. But did you know that there is a lesser-known species of dolphins lurking beneath the waves?
Rough-toothed dolphins live hidden under the waves — they dive deep and spend much of their time in deeper waters than other dolphins. Still, they possess physical and behavioral adaptations that make them truly unique in the family of Delphinidae. This article will explore some interesting facts about rough-toothed dolphins and examine what makes them so special.
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Cetacea
Family: Delphinidae
Genus: Steno
Species: Steno bredanensis
Appearance
If you’re a fan of marine life, then you may have been lucky enough to spot this remarkable animal. Here’s a guide on how to identify the Rough-Toothed dolphin:
Look Out for the Robust Body Shape
Rough-Toothed Dolphins have a robust body shape: they are slightly larger than other dolphins, with a thick head and rounded compression behind their dorsal fin. They also have small pectoral fins and pointed flippers, which help them to make quick turns while swimming.
Observe Their Dark Colouration
As their name suggests, these dolphins have dark grey or blackish skin coloration on both sides; some individuals may also feature tinges of white due to scarring or injuries sustained over their long life span – up to 40 years! This distinct pattern helps differentiate them from other species, such as bottlenose dolphins which tend to be lighter in tone overall.
Notice The Unique ‘V’ Shaping Of Its Head
Another way to easily spot these creatures is by looking out for that signature ‘V’ shape formed by the rough teeth on its lower jaw; these give rise to its distinctive appearance compared with similar species, such as common dolphins, which tend not to have any obvious teeth beyond their upper jaw line.
Look For Two Light Patches Behind The Eyes
When observed closely, Rough-toothed Dolphins will usually display two whitish patches behind each eye – unlike most dolphin species which lack any visible markings hereabouts.
These distinctive features extend further along the back side down towards tail stock, where they narrow out gradually into two extended pale streaks on either end before blending into darker tones further away from the eyes again!
Identify Their Tall Dorsal Fin
The last easy way to identify this dolphin species is by looking out for that tall dorsal fin – it’s usually higher than average compared with similar-sized mammals such as bottlenose dolphins or pilot whales yet remains relatively thin at the base when extended above sea level during breaching!
Habits
Rough-toothed dolphins are one of the world’s most fascinating and intelligent animal species. They have a wide range of behaviors and habits, some of which have been studied extensively by researchers. Here’s a look at some unique habits that make Rough-toothed Dolphins stand out from other animals.
Travel in Pods
Rough-toothed dolphins travel in pods or groups typically composed of close relatives such as mothers and their offspring, siblings, cousins, and extended family members. Their pods are usually small, with only 3 to 7 individuals but can range from 30 – 40 individuals in larger congregations.
Social Behavior
Within their groups, rough-toothed dolphins interact socially by playing, socializing, and grooming each other. The behavior is often observed during feeding times while they wait for prey to appear around them. In addition to socializing, they also engage with dolphins from neighboring pods by swimming together and vocalizing while they play.
Whistle Communication
Rough-toothed Dolphins use an extensive repertoire of whistles, clicks, backbeats, and burst pulsed sounds to communicate among themselves and other species and predators.
Since whales hear best when sounds are short (between 4–6khz), Rough-toothed Dolphins use shorter calls than deeper diving dolphins, about 8 kHz. These characteristics allow them to keep conversations brief but effective across the vastness of the ocean depths.
Behavior
Social
Rough-toothed dolphins are highly intelligent and social animals. They have been observed using tools like sponges to protect their sensitive beaks while foraging for food on the ocean floor. They also display cooperative behavior when hunting, with one dolphin herding fish towards another, who then captures them with its teeth.
Strong Bonds
Rough-toothed dolphins also form strong bonds with other species, such as bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. They have even been seen helping injured or distressed individuals of other species, demonstrating their compassion.
Curious
Rough-toothed dolphins are also known to be curious and playful animals. They often approach boats and other objects in the water, seemingly out of curiosity. They have been observed playing with objects such as seaweed or pieces of plastic and engaging in social activities such as chasing each other or riding the bow waves of boats.
Hunting
Rough-toothed dolphins have been observed engaging in cooperative hunting behavior, working together to herd and capture their prey. They also use echolocation to locate food and navigate in dark or murky waters.
Breaching
Rough-toothed dolphins are known for their spectacular breaching behavior. This is when they leap out of the water and land with a loud splash. They do this to communicate, attract mates, and even just for fun! Breaching can also be used as a way to scare away predators or other animals that may be competing for food.
Distribution
Rough-toothed dolphins are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. They inhabit coastal and offshore areas near continental shelves and deep ocean canyons. They have been observed in the Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Brazil, in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Japan, and in the Indian Ocean.
In the United States, they are most commonly seen off the coasts of California, Florida, and Hawaii.
Migration
Rough-toothed dolphins are highly migratory and can travel thousands of miles for food and better living conditions. They migrate seasonally, usually in the summer when food is more abundant in certain areas. During their migration, they may form large groups with other species, such as bottlenose dolphins or pilot whales.
Food & Diet
Rough-toothed dolphins feed mainly on fish, squid, and octopus. They have also been known to eat crustaceans and other small marine animals. They use their sharp teeth to catch their prey, swallowing them whole.
Rough-toothed dolphins are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will take advantage of whatever food sources are available in their environment. They have been known to follow fishing boats to feed on the scraps thrown overboard.
Reproduction
Rough-toothed dolphins reach sexual maturity at around 8 to 10 years of age. They typically mate during the summer months, with females giving birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 11 to 12 months. The calves are usually born in shallow waters and are nursed for up to two years.
Once the calves reach adulthood, they will form strong social bonds with other dolphins and may even stay with their mothers for life.
Threats & Predators
Rough-toothed dolphins face several threats, including entanglement in fishing nets, pollution, and habitat destruction. They are also hunted for their meat and oil in some parts of the world.
The main predators of rough-toothed dolphins are sharks and killer whales. They have been known to attack lone individuals or small groups of dolphins to feed on them.
Challenges They Face
Rough-toothed dolphins face many environmental challenges, including entanglement in fishing nets, pollution, and habitat destruction. They are also hunted for their meat and oil in some parts of the world.
The main predators of rough-toothed dolphins are sharks and killer whales, which can attack lone individuals or small groups of dolphins to feed on them. Additionally, rough-toothed dolphins are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as rising sea levels can reduce their habitat and food sources.
Conservation Status
Rough-toothed dolphins are listed as “Data Deficient” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means that there is not enough data to assess their conservation status. However, they are known to be vulnerable to human activities such as fishing and pollution. They can also become entangled in fishing gear or get injured by boat propellers.
To protect rough-toothed dolphins, it is important to reduce the amount of plastic and other pollutants that enter the ocean. It is also important to create protected areas where they can feed and breed without human interference.
Furthermore, fishermen should be educated on safely releasing dolphins that become entangled in their gear. Finally, research should be conducted to better understand these animals and their needs.
Fun Facts for Kids
1. Rough-toothed dolphins are some of the most social animals in the ocean, forming strong bonds with other species and helping injured individuals.
2. They have been known to play with objects such as seaweed or pieces of plastic, as well as engage in cooperative hunting behavior.
3. Rough-toothed dolphins reach sexual maturity at around 8 to 10 years and typically mate during summer.
4. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will take advantage of whatever food sources are available in their environment.
5. Rough-toothed dolphins face many threats, including entanglement in fishing nets, pollution, and habitat destruction.
6. Rough-toothed dolphins have a unique way of communicating with each other, using a variety of clicks, whistles, and other sounds.
7. They can dive up to depths of 600 meters in search of food and stay underwater for up to 15 minutes at a time.
8. The main predators of rough-toothed dolphins are sharks and killer whales.
