Bottlenose dolphins are indigenous to the Laguna Madre – the body of water located between mainland Texas and South Padre Island. They are friendly, often riding the waves created by Breakaway Cruises dolphin watch and eco-tour boats. Here are some interesting facts about our friends of the Laguna Madre:
- The dolphins species that calls the Laguna Madre ‘home’ are known as bottlenose dolphins.
- Bottlenose dolphins can stay submerged up to 20 minutes.
- They love sandy water because it helps conceal them while hunting prey
- They have up to 100 teeth, but typically swallow fish whole.
- As they age their teeth wear out and they are unable to eat.
- They are very vocal! Dolphins make a lot of clicking sounds which works like sonar – bouncing off items and relaying information back, which helps them identify what is fish, metal, wood, etc.
- The bay dolphins grow 6 to 8 feet, as opposed to offshore dolphins which can reach 8 to 10 feet in length.
- Bottlenose dolphins are ‘live born’ after an 18 months gestation period.
- They stay with the mother for approximately 4 years.
- Bottlenose dolphins have a lifespan of up to 45 years.