In the wild, dolphins have very few natural enemies. Their biggest threat is actually human activity. The Amazon, Ganges, and Yangtze river dolphins are all critically endangered because of the harm humans have caused to their rivers and habitats.
Dolphins belong to the family Delphinidae. This family also includes orcas and pilot whales, they are all cetacean mammals. As a general rule, the smaller ones with a long, pointed nose are called dolphins, while the larger ones are called whales.
Dolphins live all around the world, so what they eat can vary quite a lot. All dolphins are carnivores, meaning they only eat meat. Their diet mainly consists of fish and squid, and how much they eat depends on how big they are.
What Dolphins Eat
Large dolphin species, like killer whales, feed on marine mammals such as sea lions, sea turtles, and seals.
Black dolphins, also known as Chilean dolphins, are smaller. Their diet includes small fish, cephalopods (like squid), and crustaceans (like crabs and shrimp).
Bottlenose dolphins mainly eat small fish. They also munch on squid, crabs, shrimp, and other small sea creatures. Atlantic bottlenose dolphins often eat mullet and catfish. Like most dolphin species, they prefer to hunt in groups and sometimes use their tail to help catch prey.
Indus River dolphins eat freshwater fish, including gobies and carp.
Dusky dolphins eat shrimp, squid, and a variety of fish, including anchovies.
Spinner dolphins eat fish, jellyfish, and krill, krill are tiny shrimp-like animals that drift in huge swarms through the ocean.
Dolphins' Eating Habits
Herding is one of the most common ways dolphins hunt. A whole pod works together to surround a school of fish, driving them into a tight ball in the middle. Then each dolphin takes turns dashing in to grab and swallow as many fish as it can, while the others keep the group surrounded.
Some dolphins use their powerful tail to whack a fish and stun it. While the fish is dazed, the dolphin swoops in and swallows it whole.
Food is one of the main reasons dolphins travel long distances. They follow their prey, migrating to areas where the water temperature is right and fish are plentiful.
Sadly, dolphins sometimes mistake plastic rubbish or other human waste for food. This is extremely dangerous, swallowing plastic can cause them to choke or block their stomach, and many dolphins have died because of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do dolphins eat?
Dolphins are carnivores. Their diet mainly comprises fish and squid; large species like killer whales also eat marine mammals such as sea lions and seals.
How do dolphins hunt?
Dolphins use cooperative herding, a pod surrounds a school of fish, trapping them, then each dolphin takes turns to feed. Some species also use their tail to stun prey.
Do dolphins eat squid?
Yes. Bottlenose, dusky, and many other dolphin species eat squid as part of their diet.
Take the Dolphin Diet Quiz!
5 quick questions. How much do you know about what dolphins eat?
Explore More Animals
A Quick Guide To The Dolphin HabitatDolphins are widely known for their high levels of intelligence. There are around forty species found across the world's oceans, and even in rivers. Discover w
What Do Fish Eat? A Guide to Fish DietsA great diversity is observed in the diet of fish depending on the types and species. Some fish are even herbivorous! Here are the details of the diet of differ
Interesting Facts About the Adaptation of a Bottlenose DolphinHow have bottlenose dolphins survived the ocean for millions of years? Explore the physical and behavioral adaptations that make them one of the sea's most suc
What Do Seals Eat? Diet and Food Habits ExplainedWhat do seals eat? From harp seals crunching cod to leopard seals hunting penguins, discover the surprising diets of seals, plus a quiz, glossary, and fun fact
Fun fact for today!A bottlenose dolphin eats up to 9 kg (20 lb) of fish every single day!