Dolphins

Dolphins swim in the water together
Image: Graeme Paine, DPIWE
Community type

Pelagic reef organisms

Habitat type

Rocky reefs, kelp beds and inter-tidal zone

Common dolphins grow up to 2.5 metres in length and are predominantly grey with a distinctive cream hourglass pattern on their sides. Typically, common dolphins travel in pods between 10 to 50 individuals, and can be seen bow-riding boats and playfully breaching out of the water. Bottlenose dolphins are slightly larger, growing to 4.1 meters. They can be distinguished by having a moderately tall dorsal fin. Bottlenose dolphins tend to live in bays, estuaries and nearshore environments. Scientists can use the dorsal fin of dolphin to distinguish individuals within a population.

Dolphins are cooperative feeders, herding species such as mackerel, herring and other schooling fish into bait balls. They also prey on squid and crustaceans.

Much of the text within the species area of our website was written by Veronica Thorpe, as part of the Derwent River Wildlife Guide (2000).

The DEP has developed a variety of classroom and outdoor activities, including classroom materials, online resources, interpretive walks, games and sensory experience. These are focused around the key estuary habitats.