Bottlenose dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphins

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are the archetypical dolphin found around the world. Some of the largest bottlenose dolphins live around the United Kingdom. There are two main semi-resident populations in the UK, one in the Moray Firth, Scotland the other larger one, right here in Cardigan Bay.

Bottlenose dolphins are sociable animals that live in groups called pods. The size of the pod can vary significantly from several to over a hundred. This happens when several smaller pods join together to feed on an abundant food source or to socialise. They are very active and like to surf in the bow wave in front of moving boats.

They are frequently seen tail slapping and leaping several metres out of the water, called ‘breaching’. Females reach sexual maturity at around 11/12 yrs and give birth between April and September to a single calf.

What do they look like?

Bottlenose dolphins have a rounded forehead and short beak and a prominent sickle shaped dorsal fin. Adults have a light underside with light grey on the sides that gradually becomes darker on the back. New born calves are much paler and have distinct lines called ‘foetal folds’ down their sides that gradually fade as they get older.

What do they eat?

They eat a wide range of schooling fish, bottom-dwelling fish, squid and crustaceans, but they can adapt their feeding behaviour to local conditions, circumstances and food sources.

Where can I see them?

In Cardigan Bay during May to September bottlenose dolphins can be reliably spotted from various local locations along the Welsh coast including Aberystwyth, New Quay, Ynys Lochtyn, Aberporth and Mwnt. During the winter groups are found further offshore throughout Cardigan Bay.