Dolphins as we all know are the most magnificent and intelligent creatures in the oceans. They share friendly relations not only with the underwater creatures but with the humans as well. Well, talking about their reproductive mode, these species adapt different strategies to mate. In this article, we are going to focus on one of the most popular species of the ocean – the Bottlenose dolphin and the way they reproduce. Let’s see how many babies they have at a particular time. Scroll down.
What Reproductive Pattern Do Bottlenose Dolphins Exhibit?
Bottlenose dolphins show notable reproductive behavior, instead of laying eggs, these species give birth to young ones. These unique creatures reproduce by intercourse and during mating, they have complex structural organization.
These aquatic animals may become aggressive and compete with one another violently in spawning season, especially the male dolphins when they try to find a breeding mate – in contrast, the less aggressive males will attempt to pursue females by showing various water acrobatics.
When Do Bottlenose Dolphins Reproduce?
Usually, these species reproduce throughout the year but the mating tends to rise in the spring and autumn seasons. During the colder months, the bottlenose dolphins show migratory behavior and move toward warm areas for mating. After mating, the females exhibit ovulation only 3 to 7 times within a year. Female dolphins become mature at the age of 8 to 13 years whereas males reach sexual maturity at the age of 10 to 14.
How Many Babies Do Bottlenose Dolphins Have At A Time?
At a time, the Bottlenose dolphins have only one baby which is named a calf. The species give birth to twins but after birth, only one calf survives. The gestation period of these species lasts for 9 to 17 months and then the female gives birth to the young one near the water’s surface because the offspring need to breathe the air right after birth.
What Do The Calves Of Bottlenose Dolphins Look Like?
In contrast to fully mature dolphins, who may weigh over 1,000 pounds, their babies normally weigh 30 to 40 pounds when they are born. They have a robust streamlined body, bearing a small blowhole that looks like a snout. They are dark bluish from the top and are white or pale grey from the lower side. At the time of birth, the young looks fairly black and then gradually brighten as they become older.
How Long is A Bottlenose Dolphin Offspring Enjoy Parental Care?
After birth, the offspring have a lactation period of 1 to 2 years. After this period, the mother continues to provide parental care for an approximate period of 4 to 6 years and trains them to feed and live independently. Before having another calf, a mother will always wean her young.
Bottom Line
Bottlenose Dolphins are highly intelligent aquatic creatures that show notable reproductive behavior – instead of laying eggs, these species give birth to young ones. In a successful breeding season, these species give birth to only one baby. Interestingly, the babies are fairly black and then gradually brighten as they become older. The Bottlenose babies enjoy parental care for 4 to 6 years and learn the tactics from the mother to survive the harsh environmental changes.
