02.04.2021 – Flying meal

Our Stenella didn’t have to drive too far offshore to find cetaceans on todays morning trip. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were on the prowl in the murky waters between Madalena do Mar and Ponta do Sol. The lack of visibility doesn’t bother the dolphins because, like all toothed whales, they possess an acute sonar which helps them track down their prey through sound rather than eyesight. Like all other dolphins they also have rows of teeth aligning their upper and lower jaws, which in the case of this species usually range between 72/104 teeth. The cone-shaped teeth don’t only benefit the dolphins predatory behaviour, they also allow scientists to determine the age of the animal. Bottlenose dolphins are born with 25 teeth and unlike, human beings, remain with them for their entire lives. As the dolphin ages, the teeth grow in layers from the root and these growth layers allow scientists to estimate the animals age.

Their acute bio sonar, their powerful teeth paired with their incredible intelligence and wit make  Bottlenose dolphins extremely successful predators and allow them to feed on a variety of prey. The deep waters around Madeira means that the dolphins usually have to dive to forage for food. Today, however, Atlantic flying fish (Cheilopogon melanurus) were on the menu, a prey that can easily be found at the surface but has a few tricks up its sleeve. Not only do the 25cm long adults tend to move in smaller groups than most other prey fish, they also have the ultimate escape strategy: flying. By extending and fluttering their wing-like pectoral fins flying fish are able to hover for an incredible amount of time at the surface, covering unbelievable distances.

So when it comes to the fight or flight question, the answer for this fish species is quite straightforward and gave the witty Bottlenose dolphins a run for their money this morning.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins

02.04.2021