Classification: 

Originally, the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin was grouped together with the common bottlenose dolphin and they were considered to be the same species.

Now, however, it is recognised as a separate, though closely related, species.

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Appearance: 

The Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphin is very similar to the common bottlenose dolphin. Generally it is somewhat smaller and slimmer than its common cousin, having a less robust melon and a longer, thinner beak, which contains more teeth.

The dorsal fin is broad-based and falcate, proportionately taller than that of the common bottlenose dolphin. Colouration of the Indo-Pacific dolphin is also similar to the common species; it is greyish to milky brown with a noticeably darker cape and lighter belly.

Some individuals have a spotted belly, but this is highly variable among individuals and is often age-dependant.

The young are generally darker and more uniform with less spots.

It is predictably most often confused with the common bottlenose dolphin where their range overlaps, but it is also confused with the pantropical spotted dolphin and the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin.

 

 

Behaviour: 

Behaviour is much the same as that of common bottlenose dolphins. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins are inquisitive, highly intelligent, adaptable predators, capable of problem solving, tool-use and exhibiting some flexibility in terms of prey.

They are playful and can be seen leaping from the water, riding on the bows of ships and playing with fish, seaweed or marine debris.

They generally form pods of 5-15 animals, though they can be found in groups of several hundred individuals. They form mixed schools with common bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.