Dolphin Behavior

Pod Life

Bottlenose dolphins live in fluid social groups. In the past, bottlenose dolphin groups have been referred to as pods — social groups of unchanging composition.

More recently, long-term studies of bottlenose dolphins have now shown that their group composition changes. Bottlenose dolphins commonly swim in groups of 2 to 15 individuals. Several groups may temporarily join (for several minutes or hours) in open ocean waters to form larger groups during which the dolphins may change associates.

In general, group size tends to increase with water depth and openness of habitat. This may correlate with foraging strategies and protection.

Some group members establish strong social bonds.

Dolphin Cliques

In the wild, group composition and structure are based largely on age, sex, reproductive condition, family relationships, and association histories.

For example, the Sarasota, Florida resident dolphin community shows patterns of association. Basic group types include nursery groups (mothers and their most recent offspring), juveniles (both males and females), and adult males (alone or in pairs).Mother-calf bonds are long-lasting; a calf typically stays with its mother three to six years.A female may return to its mother or female relatives to raise its own calves, comprising a multigenerational group.Adult male pair bonds are strong and long-lasting. Male pairs often engage in a number of cooperative behaviors. Researchers have documented 20-year pair bonds.