Dolphins in Srilanka

                                    Dolphins

About dolphins

😀  Dolphins are a widely distributed and diverse group of aquatic mammals. They are an informal grouping within the order Cetacea, excluding whales and porpoises, so to zoologists the grouping is paraphyletic.

Spinner dolphin

The spinner dolphin is a small dolphin found in off-shore tropical waters around the world. It is famous for its acrobatic displays in which it spins along its longitudinal axis as it leaps through the air. 

Mass: 23 – 79 kg (Adult)

scientific name: Stenella longirostris

Length: 1.3 – 2.4 m (Adult)

Trophic level: Carnivorous

gestation period: 10 months

Did you know: The small and slender spinner dolphin varies geographically in colouration and size, but can be identified by its relatively long, slender beak and triangular dorsal fin.

Killer whale(orca)

The killer whale or orca is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. Killer whales have a diverse diet, although individual populations often specialize in particular types of prey.

Gestation period: 15 – 18 months

Trophic level: Carnivorous

Mass: Male: 3,600 – 5,400 kg (Adult), Female: 1,400 – 2,700 kg (Adult)

Lifespan: Female: 29 years (In captivity), Male: 17 years (In captivity)

Length: Male: 6 – 8 m, Female: 5 – 7 m

Did you Know: An adult orca consumes 100-300 pounds of food a day, depending on the animals size and energy needs.

Risso's dolphin

Risso's dolphin is the only species of dolphin in the genus Grampus. It is commonly known as the Monk dolphin among Taiwanese fishermen.

Mass: 390 kg (Adult)

Scientific name: Grampus griseus

Conservation status: Least Concern

Gestation period: 12 months

Trophic level: Carnivorous

Pilot whale

Pilot whales are cetaceans belonging to the genus Globicephala. The two extant species are the long-finned pilot whale and the short-finned pilot whale.

Life span : 45 years

Scientific name: Globicephala

Mass:  800 kg,: 1,000 – 3,000 kg

Length:  5.7 m,- 5.5 m

Gestation period:16 months,--15 months 

Did you Know: Because of their strong social bonds, whole groups of pilot whales will strand