The bottlenose dolphin has a robust body, a short, stubby rostrum, and a mostly uniform grey coloring. Of all the dolphins, it is probably the most adaptable, a characteristic consistent with its coastal habitat, where disturbance caused by human activities is highest, and environmental conditions can vary widely and rapidly. It is because of this adaptability that it is also the species most often seen in aquariums.
Immediately after birth, mothers take their young to the surface to breathe, sometimes assisted by other females called 'aunts'.
A social cetacean, the bottlenose dolphin is found in groups averaging around ten individuals. It is an 'opportunist' in terms of its diet, capable of adapting its hunting strategy to the type of prey available. Sometimes these dolphins also take advantage of fishing activities, and they can be found in the vicinity of nets, gillnets, or trawls, as well as fish farms. Solitary individuals may also be encountered when they are, for some reason, isolated from their conspecifics and settle in bays or near harbours, where they may interact with humans. Living in total social isolation is not natural, however, and can alter the normal behaviour of these animals, exposing them to increased risk of human-caused injury or death.
By the notches on the posterior margin of the dorsal fin.
Each individual emits a signature whistle, a sort of 'proper name' to make himself recognised by the members of the group.
In the bottlenose dolphin, individuals have unique sounds called 'signature whistles' that allow other members of the group to recognize them. These whistles are solidified during the first year of life and remain virtually unchanged throughout their lives.
