If you’re looking for a picturesque vacation on the Romanian coast, you might expect to find beautiful landscapes and sun-drenched beaches. But what you might not expect is a dramatic marine rescue mission taking place right before your eyes.
Recently, a group of lucky beachgoers had the incredible opportunity to witness a wounded dolphin emerge from the sea. This courageous mammal, identified as a Delphinus Delphis species, managed to make it to shore despite sustaining multiple injuries, most likely from getting tangled in fishermen’s nets.
Now, let’s dive (pun intended) into some interesting facts about the marine residents of the Black Sea. The Black Sea is home to three notable species of marine mammals: the Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis ponticus), the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus), and the Harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta). Each of these fascinating creatures adds its unique flair to the waters.
The Bottlenose dolphin and Harbor porpoise are like the “farmers” of the sea, preferring coastal areas and enjoying a diet of fish and benthic organisms. On the other hand, the Common dolphin is more of a “jet-setter,” preferring offshore zones and feasting on fish suspended in the water column.
How can you spot a Common dolphin, you ask? Look for a bluish-gray to brown color on its dorsal side, adorned with a trendy V-shaped light lateral boundary. They also have a chic pigmented band connecting the lower jaw to the pectoral fins, ranging from light to dark. With their dorsal, pectoral, and caudal fins shimmering in shades of black to gray-brown, they are the true fashionistas of the dolphin world.
These dolphins are not only fashionable but also of a significant size, with an average length of around 2 meters. Males usually measure about 177 cm, while females are a bit more petite at 159 cm. Despite their delicate appearances, Common dolphins are highly sensitive to the harsh effects of chemical and acoustic pollution, making them the environmental activists of the sea.
Common dolphins are social creatures often seen frolicking in groups of 10-15 individuals. Occasionally, you might come across a lone wolf or a dynamic duo exploring the depths of up to 70 meters. Renowned for their agility, they can reach swimming speeds of approximately 50 km/h, making them the speedy Gonzales of the ocean.
When they’re not showing off their swimming prowess, these dolphins take quick, frequent breaths, resurfacing about every third second during their short-duration dives. It’s fascinating to know that they reach sexual maturity as young as 2 years old, ascending the ladder of life faster than many humans. After a 10-month gestation period, dolphin moms nurse their young for roughly 4 months, displaying top-notch maternal instincts.
Living for around 25-30 years, these dolphins are true gourmets of the sea. Their diet consists primarily of small pelagic fish such as sprat, anchovy, and gobies. However, they occasionally indulge in culinary experiments by dining on horse mackerel, cod, bluefish, red mullet, sea bass, shrimp, and even mollusks. With a daily food intake of about 10 kg, these dolphins eat like champions.
Understanding and protecting these marvelous creatures is crucial. After all, the Black Sea wouldn’t be as magical without the playful frolics and stories of its dolphin inhabitants. So, the next time you find yourself near the Black Sea, keep your eyes peeled, your camera ready, and your heart open to the wonders of these incredible dolphins. They deserve as much love and protection as they’ve provided us with stories to tell for generations.
