DOLPHIN LEAPING

The bottlenose dolphin is one of the most well-known species of dolphin. This stocky species has a torpedo-shaped body, a short beak and pointed flippers. They are usually dark grey on the back with paler grey flanks and a white or pinkish belly. An active species, the bottlenose dolphin engages in much energetic behaviour, including breaching, lobtailing and bow-riding. It has also been observed 'playing games' with seaweed and other objects. Dolphins are highly intelligent animals; they have a sophisticated echolocation system and communicate via a range of sounds. Although lone individuals occur, this is typically a very sociable animal, living in groups numbering between 10 and 100 individuals; even larger groups may form offshore.

3.5cm x 12cm