Fun Facts About One of the Most Intelligent Aquatic Mammals

Fun Facts About One of the Most Intelligent Aquatic Mammals
by Bernard Moran

It’s no wonder that Albert Einstein praised them by saying that “There's no question dolphins are smarter than humans as they play more.” Here are the top 10 most fascinating things about dolphins!

1. Nearly 40 species of dolphins swim the waters of the world. Most live in shallow areas of tropical and temperate oceans, and five species live in rivers.

2. Dolphins are carnivores. Fish, squid and crustaceans are included in their list of prey. A 260-pound dolphin eats about 33 pounds of fish a day.


4. Dolphins are part of the family of whales that includes orcas and pilot whales. Killer whales are actually dolphins.

5. Dolphins are very social, living in groups that hunt and even play together. Large pods of dolphins can have 1,000 members or more.

6. Depending on the species, gestation takes nine to 17 months. After birth, dolphins are surprisingly maternal. They have been observed nestling and cuddling their young!



9. Dolphins have few natural enemies. Pollution, fishing and hunting mean some dolphin species have an uncertain future. 
