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Dolphins Algarve |
Common
Dolphin Algarve Portugal
The Common Dolphin can be identified by the
hour-glass pattern on its sides; formed by the overlapping
dorsal and ventral markings. The resulting bronze flash is
its most distinguishing feature. The Common Dolphin can grow
up to 2.6 m in length. This dolphin species has two distinct
variants; the Short Beaked Common Dolphin has a larger
dorsal fin than the Long Beaked Common Dolphin and is
normally slightly heavier.
Bottlenose Dolphin Algarve
Portugal
When we think of dolphins, the Bottlenose Dolphin
is normally first to come to mind. The Bottlenose has a more
flexible neck than other dolphin species and is normally
light grey in colour. The Bottlenose Dolphin varies between
2.5 and 3.8 metres in length with males being larger than
females.
Striped Dolphin Algarve
Portugal
The Striped Dolphin can be identified by
its 2, well-defined bluish black stripes. Our
Algarve dolphin boat normally finds this
dolphin species in deep water; it is rarely
found in coastal waters. The Striped Dolphin swims in groups
of 100 or more mammals that may include Common Dolphins
amongst their numbers.
Spotted Dolphin Algarve
Portugal
The Spotted Dolphin is the most difficult
dolphin species to describe; its colouring and size varies
greatly. There are two distinct species of Spotted Dolphin;
the Atlantic species, "Stenella Frontalis" is the species
that is found off the Algarve coast of
Portugal. By definition, the Spotted
Dolphin can be recognised by its spots that become more
dense as it matures.
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If you would like to see a
video of our
dolphin watching cruise,
visit our information site by clicking on the
clapper board above. Then click on the link for
"Dolphin Safaris" and click the clapper board once
more to see the video!
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● All attempts to keep
the Striped Dolphin in captivity have ended in failure with
the dolphins dying due to their unwillingness to eat.
● Dolphins have two
stomachs. One stomach stores food, the other digests food.
● Some dolphin
species are able to hold their breath for up to 30
minutes; some dolphin species are able to hold their breath
for as little as 20 seconds.
● An adult dolphin may
eat up to 14 kilos of fish per day.
● Dolphins have to be
awake to breath, therefore only one half of the dolphin's
brain sleeps at a time.
● The Killer Whale is the
largest species of dolphin and can grow to around 6 metres
in length.
● A Bottlenose Dolphin
brain weighs 1600 grams. A human brain weighs 1300 grams. |
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