Common Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus

Bottlenose Dolphins are found in oceans and seas worldwide except for far Arctic and Antarctic waters. Recently the single species was split into 3: the Common Bottlenose, the Indo-Pacific Bottlenose and the Burrunan (Australia). A large dolphin, Bottlenoses can reach some 4 metres (13 feet) long.

The "bottlenose" is a reference to the shape of their "beak". Females and offspring live in family-based social "pods" while males live in small groups or alone. They are well-known for their intelligence and communication, both vocal and physical. They are curious, usually friendly and acrobatic, being able to leap from water (breach) some 6 metres (20 feet) into the air.

Their intelligence has lead to them being trained by the navy and, coupled with their acrobatic capability, has made them favourite attractions at animal parks.