Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin
Scientific name: Tursiops aduncus
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Family: DELPHINIDAE
Group: Marine mammals
Shyness: Not shy
Safe distance: 50 m
Breeding season / Courtship: N/A
Gestation: 365 jours
Births: N/A
Habitat:
Coastal and offshore tropical and subtropical waters
Description:
The Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin measures 2–3 m and weighs 150–230 kg, with a light grey streamlined body and a short beak. It forms small coastal groups in shallow tropical and subtropical waters, feeding on fish, cephalopods and crustaceans. Highly social and playful, it often interacts with boats, performing spectacular leaps and bow-riding.
Recommended lens:
>=300 mm
Photography tips:
Approach slowly with your vessel at drift speed and position yourself at hull level to capture leaps and bow-riding. Use shutter-priority mode to freeze water motion and anticipate the arcs of surface breaches.
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