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Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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Experience • Rescued Animals

Dolphins

Updated January 23, 2023 Posted April 8, 2020

Universally loved, dolphins are our best-known animals. These large mammals are intelligent, playful, and full of their own individual personalities!

Where to See

  • Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex
  • Dolphin Terrace

Meet Our Resident Dolphins

  • Hope
    Hope
  • Nicholas the Dolphin Smiling
    Nicholas
  • Apollo
    Apollo
  • Izzy the dolphin
    Izzy
  • Rudy
    Rudolph
  • Rex

Dolphin Species

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus
dolphin bubbles
Status
Least Concern
Average Size
7-12 ft
Threats
Whaling, entanglement, habitat loss
Defining Characteristic
Short rostrum (beak)
Location
Atlantic and Pacific Coasts of North America
  • Two varieties/ecotypes of bottlenose dolphins: inshore and offshore
  • Estimated lifespan of 35-50 years
  • Age determined by examining growth rings in a tooth, just like a tree!
  • Dolphins establish dominance with threatening postures and gestures
  • Communicate through whistles and clicks
  • Dolphins are a top predator in the ocean

Rough-Toothed Dolphin

Steno bredanensis
Status
Least Concern
Average Size
6-9 ft
Threats
Hunting, entanglement, ocean noise
Defining Characteristic
Small head with long rostrum (beak)
Location
Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans from 40° north to 35° south
  • Steno comes from the Greek word for narrow, referring to the dolphin’s rostrum (beak)
  • Can remain underwater for 15 minutes
  • Lifespan up to 36 years or more
  • Have 19-28 roughened teeth in each quarter of the jaw
  • Communicate through whistles and clicks
  • Unlike Bottlenose dolphins, they have no demarcation between their melon (forehead) and beak

Did You Know…

Dolphins can dive to depths of nearly 1,000 feet.
Dolphins have three stomach chambers.
Dolphins never chew their food.
There are over 40 species of dolphins.
Killer Whales are a kind of dolphin!
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What are the Dolphins Up To?

Dolphin Complex Cam

Watch Now
Nicholas the dolphin

Dolphin Complex Cam 2

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Dolphin Complex Cam 3

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Rudy

Rescue Deck Cam

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Dolphin Lover Extras

rough-toothed dolphin experience

VIP Rough-Toothed Dolphin Experience

Learn MoreBook Now
Nick dolphin action moment

Action Photo Moment With Bottlenose Dolphins

Learn MoreBook Now
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions • Accessibility

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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