Interesting Information! Get to Know the 7 Largest Dolphin Species in the World
There is interesting information about the largest dolphin species in the world that you can get to know here. Dolphins are one of the most interesting creatures in the ocean. Having a friendly character and great intelligence, this mammal has attracted the hearts of several people around the world. There are many different species of dolphins around the world. The size of the dolphins also varies. However, did you know that some dolphin species can grow as big as a bus? Yes, some dolphin species become top predators in their communities because they are very large. Because they are so big, it is easy for them to eat fish, seals, sharks, and even other dolphins. Come on, let’s review what the largest dolphin species in the world are!
- Orca Whale
Orcas are also known as killer whales. Despite their name, orcas are not whales, but dolphins. Orcas are the largest dolphin species that can be the same size as whales. Orca whales can grow up to 9 m (30 ft) long and weigh up to 6 tonnes. The most striking features of this dolphin species are its unique black and white markings and rounded head with a prominent dorsal fin. Orcas are found in waters all over the world. They are apex predators and feed on a variety of marine life, including fish, squid, and dolphins.
- Bottlenose Dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins are another of the largest dolphin species and probably the most popular. They are found in warm and temperate waters all over the world and can grow up to 4 m (13 ft) long and weigh up to 635 kg (1,300 lb). Bottlenose dolphins are extremely intelligent and friendly.
They often jump out of the water and climb onto bobbing boats. Bottlenose dolphins can be found in tropical waters all over the world. Despite their widespread distribution, bottlenose dolphins face several threats, including pollution, population loss, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets. They are sometimes sought after for their meat and oil.
- Long-finned Pilot Whales
Long-finned pilot whales are dolphins known for their long pectoral fins and social nature. According to A-Z Animals, pilot whales hunt in groups of 20-150 individuals. They primarily feed on squid and mackerel and will migrate depending on the availability of food. Long-finned pilot whales sometimes break through and become stranded on the shores of the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere. Female long-finned pilot whales typically live to be 60 years old, and males can live to be 35-40 years old. They can grow up to 25 feet (7.6 m) long and weigh up to 5,000 pounds (2.3 tons).
- Short-finned Pilot Whales
Example of short-finned pilot whales Short-finned pilot whales are found in tropical and temperate waters off Hawaii and the southwest coast of Tenerife and in the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Although called whales, these mammals are actually dolphins. Short-finned pilot whales live in groups held by females, taken from A-Z Animals. Similar to their cousins, female short-finned pilot whales generally live to be 60 years old and males to be 40 years old. Short-finned pilot whales can grow to a maximum length of 7.3 m and weigh up to 3 tons.
- False Killer Whales
Example of false killer whales False killer whales are called that because at first glance they look like killer whales or orcas. Similar to orcas, false killer whales are also part of the dolphin family. False killer whales have dark gray bodies, with pectoral fins spreading from the throat to the stomach. This mammal has a very large and slender size, where males are slightly larger than females. Explained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, females can grow to a length of 5 m, and males can reach a length of 6 m. Adult false killer whales can weigh up to 1.4 tons.
- Risso’s Dolphins
Risso’s dolphins can be found in all oceans in several corners of the world. The most striking characteristic of this dolphin is its gray skin and many scars. This species prefers deeper open sea waters. They are not only active on the sea, but are also excellent divers. They have the ability to dive to a depth of 30 m and hold their breath for 30 minutes underwater. They can grow to a length of 4 m and weigh 500 kg. Largest Dolphin Species
- White-beaked dolphins
This dolphin is named so because it has a white beak tip. As explained by A-Z Animals, this subarctic dolphin is usually seen in the Atlantic Ocean to the north to the White Sea, the Norwegian sea, and swimming in the Baltic Sea. This dolphin has a stocky body with gray to black skin. They are one of the largest dolphin species that can grow to a maximum length of 3.1 m and weigh around 350 kg. Whether large or small, many dolphin species are in terror. The argument is, their population is decreasing due to poaching, large fishing, and water pollution that destroys the ecosystem. By keeping the sea clean and not doing poaching, you have helped support the preservation of dolphins.
So, Where Can We See Dolphins Directly?
Bali Exotic Marine Park is the right answer for those of you who want to watch dolphins directly. In addition to being able to enjoy a vacation to Bali with tourist destinations such as Ubud or other activities, the opportunity to get education and swim with Bali dolphins is a good thing with family and children. For that we recommend you to watch bottlenose dolphins directly.