To make the skin clean

One of the main reasons dolphins jump is to clean their skin. By leaping high out of the water and slapping back down forcefully, they remove parasites and grime from their bodies, keeping their skin hygienic.

mammal

Dolphins are classified as mammals. This is because they possess characteristics of mammals, such as breathing with lungs, maintaining a constant body temperature, and nursing their young with milk. In particular, among marine mammals, dolphins are known for their intelligence and social nature; they have been observed to form pods with strong bonds and to display complex communication abilities.

50 km/h

A dolphin’s top speed varies by species, but it’s said they can reach about 50 km/h. This is the result of adaptations evolved for swift swimming underwater. Their speed-powered leaps above the water and various tricks delight and amaze us.

caudal fin

Dolphins are mammals, but because they live in the water, they give birth in a way that differs from land-dwelling mammals. When a dolphin gives birth, the baby is born tail-first, emerging from the mother’s genital slit near the tail rather than head-first.

80 to 100 (items/bottles/pieces)

There is individual variation in the number of dolphin teeth, but a typical adult dolphin is said to have about 80 to 100 teeth. A dolphin’s teeth help it firmly grasp prey when hunting.

breathing hole

Dolphins breathe by inhaling air through a blowhole located on top of their heads. While swimming underwater, they keep the blowhole closed, and when they surface, they open it to take a quick breath. This allows them to exchange gases efficiently.

Make a sound from the forehead

Dolphins may appear to produce sounds from their mouths, but in fact they emit sound waves through a fatty mass in their head. This functions as an acoustic lens, focusing the sound waves and projecting them over long distances.

To make it easier to swim

Dolphins gather around ships because the waves and currents created by the vessel make it easier for them to swim. They use the wave generated at the bow as a form of “surfing,” allowing them to move efficiently, which is why they behave this way. People often perceive this as play, but in reality, it’s a clever strategy that helps them travel more easily.

bubble ring

The rings of water that dolphins blow from their mouths are called “bubble rings.” Dolphins use their tongues to create rings of air, and the way those rings float stably underwater is truly mysterious. You can often see them during dolphin show performances.

bait

Dolphins obtain moisture from their food and use the water contained in what they eat to maintain their internal fluid balance. Because they do not drink seawater or tap water as is, they tend to prefer foods with a high water content.