Dolphins

Dolphins are widespread, mostly in pelagicmarine environments but some thrive in brackish and freshwaterbodies. Most species prefer the warm waters of the tropic zones, but some, such as the right whale dolphin, prefer colder climates. Like most nektonic animals, dolphins are carnivorous, feed largely on fish and squid, but a few large-bodied dolphins, such as the orca, prey upon larger marine animals such as seals, other dolphins and porpoises, large bluewater fish such as sharks, billfish and bluefin tuna, and sometimes even seabirds. Male dolphins typically mate with multiple females every year, but females only mate every two to three years. Calves are typically born in the spring and summer months and females bear all the responsibility for raising them. Mothers of some species fast and nurse their young for a relatively long period of time.