• The normal "cruising speed" of a dolphin is about 23 to 25 mph and they can jump 16 ft high or more. The dolphin is capable of diving for up to 20 minutes at 300 meters.
• Mating normally occurs during the spring months. The male and female court prior to mating. A female dolphin is pregnant for 11-12 months. The calf is delivered tail first, and is capable of swimming and breathing within the first minutes. The calf may nurse for as long as 12 to 18 months after birth.
• Dolphins are extremely and almost constantly vocal. They are capable of two kinds of sounds. Clicks are used as a form of sonar, in which echoes of sounds from surrounding objects enable the animals to detect it. Dolphins use whistles to communicate a particular emotional state to influence the behavior of other dolphins. |