19.08.2022 – Jet propulsion

Today we saw a school of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) slowly migrating from East to West. This enabled us to observe them on the various tours. On the noon tour, we could observe powerful leaps. We were surprised twice when a powerful, large animal jumped out of the water right in front of the boat. Its length, its strength, its grandeur was very impressive.

How is it that dolphins can glide so quickly and effortlessly through the water or perform impressive jumps with ease? The constant renewal of their outermost skin cells ensures good gliding through the sea. Her jet propulsion is powered by the horizontal position of the tail. The spine merges into the fluke stock. Every body movement can be transferred directly into the fluke movement. A movement with the tail fin and the dolphin is carried slightly forward. Their function is therefore equivalent to that of a jet propulsion system. The fluke also has other functions, such as stabilization in the water, temperature compensation and communication. The blood capillary system present in the fluke allows the dolphin to shed excess heat. This is possible via the fluke and the flippers, because there is no layer of fat, the so-called blubber, that holds body heat. The flapping of the caudal fin, on the other hand, is used for communication. It can express displeasure or pass on information about one’s location to animals in the distance.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 no sighting

15:00 Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins

14:00 Bottlenose dolphins

17:00 Bottlenose dolphins