Marine mammals are found in all oceans and seas of the planet, and also found in rivers overlooking the sea. Even the ancient Greeks noticed the unusual ability of dolphins. Over time, it was discovered that their brain has twice as many convolutions than the human brain. But let's digress from scientific facts and present the most beautiful species of dolphins.
1
White-bellied / Cephalorhynchus eutropia
There is a beautiful view off the coast of Chile, which is why they are often called the Chilean dolphin. They grow no more than 170 cm in length, and the body is stocky.
Part of the throat, abdomen and lower part of the flippers are white, but the back and sides are of an ordinary gray color. Locals call him Tunina. A rare species of marine mammal is listed in the Red Book.
This is also the most poorly studied species. Scientists cannot even accurately determine the population size.
2
Variegated / Cephalorhynchus
Our list opens on most-beauty.ru dolphin, which can be found only in the Southern Hemisphere. The genus includes four species. Adults reach 180 cm, and weigh from 30 to 85 kg.
They have a contrasting black and white color. They are characterized by playfulness, very mobile. They are often seen swimming fast at the water surface and jumping out of the water. Usually kept in small flocks of 2-8 individuals.
One species of Cephalorhynchus commersonii was named after the French zoologist Philibert Commerson. He was the first in 1767 to describe a new species.
3
Dolphin Squirrel / Delphinus delphis
The backs of these marine creatures are blue or black. A strip runs along the sides. Appearance determined the generic name.
You can meet them in the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. They chose tropical latitudes, but cool waters also swim. They grow up to 240 cm in length, and weigh from 60 to 80 kg.
They feed on fish, as well as cephalopods. These are the most toothy of all mammals. They have 240 teeth. Recently, a new species of Black Sea dolphin dolphins was discovered.
4
Cruciform dolphin / Lagenorhynchus cruciger
The photo shows an inhabitant of Antarctic and subantarctic waters. Leads a secretive lifestyle, which is why it is very difficult to meet. They found out about him from a drawing that was made in 1820.
The only species that science recognized only from eyewitness accounts. To date, only 6 individuals have been studied. On a black body is a white pattern, forming a kind of hourglass.
Like all dolphins, it is a social animal. Whalers met small groups of 5-6 individuals. There is evidence of eyewitnesses who saw groups of up to 100 copies.
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru there is an interesting article about the most beautiful animals on the planet.
5
White-faced dolphin / Lagenorhynchus albirostris
A large representative of dolphins grows up to 3 meters in length, while weighing 275 kg. A characteristic feature of their light, almost white muzzle.
They live in the northern Atlantic. Watching the migration, scientists noted that they can swim to the coast of Turkey. They are found off the coast of Portugal. Keep in pairs or groups of 10-12 individuals.
A speed of 30 km / h is developed in water, and up to 45 m can dive. The species is poorly understood. Scientists estimate the population at several hundred individuals. White-haired handsome men are under protection.
6
Bottlenose dolphins / Tursiops
One of the most common dolphins. The genus includes three species. They live in almost all the seas and oceans of the world.
They grow from 2 to 4 m, and weigh from 150 to 600 kg. Depending on the habitat, the color changes. On the sides you can see a faint pattern in the form of spots or small stripes.
The French scientist Paul Gervais first described the bottlenose dolphin in 1815. Over time, scientists have identified various species. Because of the shape of the muzzle and beak, they are also called the bottlenose dolphin. This form allows you to quickly swim and dive great.
7
Amazonian Sotalia / Sotalia fluviatilis
By the specific name, you can understand that these dolphins are found in the Amazon, as well as off the coast of Latin America. Locals call them Tukushi. So they were called the tribes of the Tupi language group, and it was fixed in colloquial speech.
Outwardly, they resemble bottlenose dolphins, but Tukushi are slightly smaller. Adults do not grow more than 150 cm. They have a pinkish abdomen, and the back and sides are usually bluish-gray in color. They live in groups of 10-15 individuals.
Scientists distinguish between river and sea subspecies. The white dolphin is depicted on the coat of arms of the largest city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro.
8
Cetaceans / Lissodelphis
There are 2 types. One is found in the southern seas, the second in the northern latitudes. Grow up to 2.5 m in length. Their beak is very thin, and the dorsal fin is absent.
On the sides are two crescent-shaped fins. The narrow shape of the muzzle and the lateral fins allow them to develop greater speed and dive deep in search of food.
They feed on small fish, crustaceans, mollusks. The northern species can be found in the Far Eastern seas off the coast of Russia.
9
Irrawaddy Dolphin / Orcaella breviros
The most unusual representative of a large dolphin family. They have no beak. Unlike other species, they have a moving neck.
They are found in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, from the coast of India to Australia. Live in groups of 3 to 6 individuals. They easily change the group, but prefer to stay off the coast. Body length from 150 to 275 cm. Weight reaches 140 kg.
They swim slowly, and to look around they raise their heads above the water. They emerge to swallow air and do it very quickly. An unusual inhabitant of the ocean was discovered and described in 1866.
10
Chinese dolphin / Sousa chinensis
A unique inhabitant of Southeast Asia, a freshwater dolphin, will complete our list. In 2017, the Chinese extinct animal commission declared this species extinct.
There is an unusual fin on the back, which is why it was often called the “flag carrier”. In China, his name is "Baiji." The inhabitants of freshwater lakes and rivers in the Chinese province of Wuhan were opened in 1918.
Ecology and lifestyle are almost unstudied. A characteristic feature is an elongated beak. Babies are born completely black, and over time, the color of the body brightens. It is a pity that this species has disappeared from our planet.
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Summary
Interesting facts about these wonderful and intelligent creatures are updated every year with new information. In conclusion, we note that dolphins during evolution developed their own signal system. Babies get their own name at birth. They respond to this signal throughout their life. Another ability of amazing sea creatures is to recognize themselves in the mirror.
Write to us in the comments which beautiful dolphin species you like best. We will also be very pleased with your dolphin stories.