| |
Indo-Pacific
bottlenose dolphins look very similar to common bottlenose
dolphins, with a relatively robust body, moderate-length
beak, and tall falcate dorsal fin. However, they tend
to be somewhat more slender than common bottlenose dolphins,
and the beak is relatively longer and more slender.
Coloration (although variable) tends to be somewhat
lighter than in most common bottlenose dolphins. The
cape is generally more distinct, and there is often
a light spinal blaze extending to below the dorsal
fin. The most distinctive feature is generally the
presence of prominent black spots or flecks on the
bellies of adults of this species (these are very
rarely present on common bottlenose dolphins). However,
not all Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins necessarily
have ventral spotting.
The teeth number 23-29 in each upper and lower jaw.
They are a bit more slender than those of common bottlenose
dolphins.
Although maximum size is geographically variable,
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins grow to lengths of
only about 2.7 m and 230 kg. Length at birth is about
85-112 cm. |
|
