An Unbelievable Sight
Tourists on the Romanian coast were stunned. Alongside the crashing sea waves, a wounded dolphin appeared, carried to shore.
A Rescue Attempt Gone Wrong
Rescuers quickly pulled the dolphin from the water, hoping to save it. Sadly, it didn’t survive. Experts identified the mammal as a Delphinus delphis, or common dolphin. Deep gashes covered its body, likely caused by fishing nets.
Dolphins of the Black Sea
The Black Sea hosts three dolphin species:
- Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis ponticus)
- Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus)
- Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta)
These dolphins differ in both anatomy and diet. For instance, bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises prefer coastal fish and benthic organisms. In contrast, the common dolphin feeds on fish in the water column.
Habitat and Appearance
Each species occupies distinct habitats. Bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises stick to shallow coastal areas. Meanwhile, common dolphins prefer offshore zones. The common dolphin’s appearance stands out: bluish-gray to brown on top, with a light V-shape on the side, and black fins.
Fast and Social Creatures
Newborn dolphins measure 0.80-0.95 m. In the Black Sea, adult males reach up to 177 cm, and females up to 159 cm. These dolphins are sensitive to chemical and noise pollution. They live in small groups, often swimming at high speeds of 50 km/h, and dive briefly, resurfacing every few seconds.
Life and Diet
They mature sexually at two years, with a gestation of ten months. Calves are weaned after four months, and the species exhibits strong maternal instincts. With a lifespan of 25-30 years, common dolphins eat about 10 kg of food daily, including small pelagic fish and crustaceans.
