BEHAVIOUR, FEEDING AND MORE
Learn about dolphins
Dolphins use many different techniques to catch their fish including surface fishing, bottom feeding, Kick fishing (using their tails to stun the fish) and fish throwing.
Logging
When dolphins are sleeping they rest on the surface of the water. This is called logging because they look like a log floating in the water. It is important that people on the water do not approach and harass dolphins when they are resting. Dolphins need about 8 hrs sleep per day.
Travelling
Dolphins can travel of speeds of up to 35Km per hour if they want to but generally we see them travelling slowly and surfacing regularly. Even when dolphins are travelling we see them interacting with one another, often they will swim side by side and will surface together.
Tail slapping
There are several possible reasons for tail slapping. I have observed mother dolphin’s tail slapping near and even on top of their calves. I believe this could be the mother’s way of reprimanding her calf. Other reasons dolphins may tail slap include, anger, frustration and it is also thought to be away in which they communicate as well.
Spy hopping
Spy hopping is where a dolphin lifts it head out of the water. This is often done when playing around with other dolphins. Spy hopping enables dolphins to look around and see what is happening above the surface of the water.
Learning about dolphins
For over 25 years I have spent the majority of my spare time monitoring and learning about Dolphins. Please see below, some more information I would like to share with you about these beautiful creatures.
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Learn about dolphins behaviour from video footage and photos of local dolphins
Explore the captivating world of dolphins with Marianna's collection of photos and footage from South Australia. Watch these intelligent and playful creatures in their natural habitat, and discover their fascinating behavior and social structures.
Port River Dolphin Identification Catalogue
Meet Port River dolphins and learn how to recognise them
Dr Mike Bossley has been monitoring and identifying the Port River Dolphins since the 1980’s. Over the years he has identified and recorded more than 400 different dolphins that either reside in or have visited the area.
