Common Bottlenose Dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
Explore the complete life journey from birth to maximum documented longevity. Move the interactive age slider below to see real-time biometric growth ranges, developmental milestones, metabolic changes, and ontogenetic stages.
Interactive Lifespan & Growth Scrubber
Drag the slider or click any milestone step to observe dynamic biometrics and physiological changes.
Milk.
Dependent early stage (high-frequency clicks).
Taxon-Specific Life Stage Machine
How Common Bottlenose Dolphin progresses through distinct morphological phases.
Calf
Born tail-first into water; nurses rich milk while learning high-frequency clicks.
- •Blubber accumulation
- •Open swimming at birth
Juvenile
Weaning and hunting/foraging apprenticeship.
- •Rapid length growth
Adult
Prime adult using fission-fusion.
- •Adult size
- •Reproductive maturity
Elder
May lead groups or show senescence depending on species.
- •Tooth wear in toothed whales
Growth Timeline Reference Matrix
Standardized peer-reviewed biometric development data.
| Age Milestone | Life Stage | Total Length Range | Body Mass Range | Maturity | Dietary Regime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🐬Birth / Hatch / Day 0 | Calf | 0.9–1.3 m | 10–20 kg | 0% | Milk. |
| 🐬Early growth | Calf | 1.1–1.6 m | 26.8–53.6 kg | 12% | Fish with mother. |
| 🐬Mid juvenile | Juvenile | 1.5–2.2 m | 59–118 kg | 35% | Fish, squid, crustaceans. |
| 🐬Late juvenile | Juvenile | 1.9–2.9 m | 94–188 kg | 60% | Fish, squid, crustaceans. |
| 🐬Near maturity | Adult | 2.3–3.6 m | 129–258 kg | 85% | Fish, squid, crustaceans. |
| 👑Prime adult | Prime Adult | 2.5–3.9 m | 147.2–294.4 kg | 98% | Fish, squid, crustaceans. |
| 👑Later adult | Elder | 2.5–4 m | 150–300 kg | 100% | Fish, squid, crustaceans. |
Key Milestones in the Life of a Common Bottlenose Dolphin
Common Bottlenose Dolphin Early Independence Skills
Critical early learning period unique to common bottlenose dolphin ecology.
Peak Growth Window
0–3 years is when size accumulates fastest.
Sexual Maturity
Typical maturity near 8 years for this species.
Adult Niche Mastery
Adults specialize in high-frequency clicks.
Diet Transition
Fish with mother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Bottlenose Dolphin Life History
Scientific answers to high-intent queries regarding lifespan and growth.
