Lagenorhynchus

Lagenorhynchus is a genus of dolphins that includes two species: the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus). The genus name is derived from the Greek words "lagenos," meaning "bladder," and "rhynchos," meaning "snout," referring to the dolphins' distinctive snout shape. Bottlenose dolphins are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and their ability to use tools, such as sponges to protect their rostra (snouts) while foraging.

Bottlenose dolphins are found in coastal and offshore waters worldwide, from the tropics to temperate regions. They are typically medium-sized dolphins, with adults ranging from 2.1 to 2.7 meters (6.9 to 8.9 feet) in length and weighing between 100 to 200 kilograms (220 to 440 pounds). Their diet consists mainly of fish and squid, which they locate using echolocation. Bottlenose dolphins are known for their playful behavior, often seen leaping and breaching in groups.

The common bottlenose dolphin is found in the Atlantic Ocean, while the bottlenose dolphin is found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Both species are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but they face threats from human activities such as bycatch in fisheries and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts focus on reducing these threats and protecting dolphin habitats.