The costero dolphin can be found swimming in the coastal waters of Central and South America.
These dolphins are known to perform several acrobatic stunts and can be seen leaping and flipping out of the water.
However, they aren’t considered as interested in making contact with humans as other species of dolphins are and are much less likely to communicate with people if given a chance.
This dolphin belongs to the cetacean family and is part of the toothed whale suborder.
Physical Characteristics and Appearance
The costero dolphin is closely related to the tucuxi dolphin but shares a close physical resemblance with the bottlenose dolphin.
This dolphin can grow to lengths of 7 ft and weigh more than 140 pounds when fully matured.
In terms of color, the costero dolphin is a light gray, with the fin, skull, upper snout, and flukes slightly darker than the sides and lower half of the dolphin’s body.
Diet and Hunting Methods
The costero dolphin is known to consume a variety of fish and shrimp.
These dolphins have been known to eat in groups of up to 30.
However, during specific social events, dolphin pod sizes may increase well beyond 30 dolphins.
Social Structure and Communication
The costero dolphin has been observed performing acrobatic behaviors, from tail slapping to leaping out of the water and performing somersaults.
They often prefer to travel in dolphin pods comprising less than 30 dolphins but may aggregate into larger pods during certain social events.
The costero dolphin communicates using various clicks and whistles , which allow them to communicate many different things such as nearby danger, a desire to mate, to inform other dolphins about the location of a particular food, and to communicate several other desires.
Mating, Reproduction and Lifespan
The gestation period for the costero dolphin is around 11 – 12 months.
Once the child is born, the mother feeds her child by producing thick milk, which her child suckles from her nipple until they’re old enough to begin taking in solid foods and can hunt for food on its own.
The age of sexual maturity for this species is unconfirmed.
Still, the costero dolphin will likely reach sexual maturity between the ages of 5 – 12, when they may begin mating and bearing their offspring.
Scientific research estimates that the costero dolphin may have a lifespan of up to 35 years.
Habitat and Migration
The costero dolphin swims in several areas throughout Central and South America.
These places may include Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Peru.
Threats and Predators
The costero dolphin faces threats from being caught in fishing nets where it gets stuck, drowns, and struck by passing boats.
Humans have been known to hunt these marine mammals, so they may occasionally face threats from poachers looking to sell their meat.
Finally, pollution, habitat destruction, and construction work may harm these dolphins, separate them from other dolphin pods and even cause death.
Not much is known regarding any potential natural predators.