the Anatomy of a Dolphin

What is where inside the dolphin

Dolphins have a very sensitive skin, which contains an elaborate system of nerve endings. These nerve endings can be used to feel and touch objects and this explains why tame dolphins like to be stroked. Dolphin skin is very delicate and easily injured by rough surfaces, fishing nets or by being cut fore instance with a sharp fingernail. However, the healing process is quick.

A dorsal fin can be as distinctive as a human's face and is used by scientists to identify individuals. Dolphins seem to use dorsal fins for stability.

A dolphin's teeth aren't used for chewing as they swallow their food whole but they are used to grab prey. In the Bang Pakong River, the dolphins have developed a special way of eating catfish to avoid injury from the spiny catfish whiskers. One dolphin will hold the catfish by the head, while other members of it's group will take turns in eating the catfish from the tail up. The heads are left bobbin on top of the water and are easy to spot.

The blowhole serves as a dolphin's nostrils, allowing it to breathe while swimming at top speed. While asleep, female dolphins that lie on the water's surface expose their blowholes to the air to breathe. Males however sleep just below the surface and a reflex action periodically raises their bodies.