Blowhole Located on the top of a dolphin’s head, the blowhole is used for breathing. It is equivalent to nostrils in humans and opens when the dolphin surfaces to take a breath. Dolphins must come to the surface regularly to breathe, as they cannot breathe underwater. The blowhole produces a visible spout of air when they exhale. Atlantic Spotted dolphins also blow bubbles through their blowholes as one way to communicate with other dolphins.
Melon (or Forehead) The melon is a specialized organ located in the dolphin’s forehead, just in front of the blowhole. It is made of fatty tissue and plays a vital role in echolocation, which dolphins use to communicate and locate food in the water. The melon helps focus sound waves produced by the dolphin’s vocalizations, allowing them to “see” objects and prey through sound, even in dark or murky waters.
Beak (or Rostrum) The beak, or rostrum, is the elongated part of the dolphin’s face, often resembling a “snout.” This feature is where the mouth and teeth are located. The rostrum helps dolphins catch and hold onto their prey and is highly adapted for efficient feeding. The shape of the beak varies slightly between species, but it is always streamlined to assist in hunting.
Teeth Dolphins have conical teeth that are used for grasping and holding onto prey such as fish and squid. Their teeth are not used for chewing; instead, they catch and swallow their prey whole. The number of teeth varies by species, but most dolphins have between 80 to 100 teeth. These sharp teeth help them catch and retain their food while swimming at high speeds.
Lower Jaw The lower jaw of a dolphin is often more flexible than the upper jaw, helping them to open their mouth wide while hunting or communicating. The lower jaw also plays a role in supporting the teeth and aiding in the capture of prey. In some species, the lower jaw can be slightly longer than the upper jaw, making it easier for dolphins to catch fish and squid.
Flipper The dolphin’s flippers are located on each side of its body and are used for steering and maneuvering in the water. The flippers are made of flexible bones and are highly effective for precise movements and sharp turns. Unlike the pectoral fins of fish, dolphin flippers are adapted to work with the rest of the body for quick, agile swimming.
Dorsal Fins Dolphins have dorsal fins located on their backs, and the shape of the dorsal fin can vary between species. There are three common types of dorsal fins found in dolphins:
Paleate Dorsal Fin: This type of dorsal fin is broad at the base and tapers to a point at the top. It is characteristic of species like the killer whale (Orcinus orca) and some species of dolphins, helping to provide stability in the water.
Rounded Dorsal Fin: A more rounded and less pointed dorsal fin, commonly found in species like the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). This fin is generally shorter and gives the dolphin a more streamlined profile, helping with quick maneuvers.
Triangular Dorsal Fin: This fin is more sharply triangular in shape, offering excellent stability and speed. It is commonly seen in species like the spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata). The shape of the fin helps these dolphins maintain balance while swimming at higher speeds.
