COMMON DOLPHIN

 COMMON DOLPHIN

Local name : Dolphin, Samudra sundari, Matsya kanya 

Physical measurements & life cycle:

Length : Male-1.7-2.6 m  Female- 1.5-2.3 m 

Weight : 70-85 kg 

Maturity : 5 years   

Gestation : 10-12 months 

Life span : 50 years 

 Description

This dolphin is dark blackish-bluish grey from above and white below. Its sides are fulvous brownish. Its snout is prolonged into a long narrow beak-like structure. Dorsal and pectoral fins falcate. It has a black ring surrounding each eye. 

Food 

Piscivorous. It feeds on various kinds of fish. 

Distribution 

Mainly occurs in the Gulf of Kachchh. It can also occur in otner marine areas of the state. 

Habitat

 Generally found in shallow water of sea cost and deep sea or gulf.

Behaviour

 This is a very common marine mammal found in the Gulf of Kachcht  and can be seen easily at the time of tide. It can swim at the speed of 30 knots; Typically rides on bow waves of ship and boat. Dolphins have ability to communicate among themselves. They produce a variety of underwater sounds. They can dive up to 280 m depth. They have tendency to help each other in the group when someone is injured or in trouble. 

Signs of presence

Direct sighting, fishermen's reports, carcass etc. 

Dolphins have been known to our people since ancient time and therefore it had place in our mythology. It can swim at the speed of 30 knots per hour and therefore it is considered as one of the fast moving marine mammals. Besides Common dolphin, three other species occur in our sea, namely; Plumbeous dolphin, Red sea bottlenosed dolphin and Indian broadbeaked dolphin.