The main breeding season for the bottlenose dolphin is between March and April. Bottlenose dolphins, for example, are part of the genus Tursiops. Females have an ovulation period after which they mate with the male for fertilization. However, the process is very similar to that of other mammals. The bottlenose dolphin pregnancy lasts about twelve months, and there is usually at least three years between births. They will drink milk from their mothers for the first year or two but they do get introduced to fish and squid after several months. The dolphin life cycle begins after a female bottlenose dolphin becomes pregnant, it has a gestation period of about 12 months. Bottlenose dolphins travel in social groups and communicate with each other by a complex system of squeaks and whistles. Courtship – Courtship behaviour of the male includes clinging along to the female, posing for the female, stroking, rubbing, nuzzling, mouthing, jaw clapping, and yelping. in Shark Bay, Australia.Eighty-three females and their 142 calves were surveyed between 1988 and 1998 (3457 surveys); … Bottlenose Dolphin Reproduction. Dolphin Reproduction and Parenting. Although female bottlenose dolphins give birth to calves throughout the year worldwide, births peak at various times in different locations. Bottlenose Dolphin in Captivity with Calf The young dolphins can weigh from 23 to 65 pounds at birth and be from 33 to 55 inches long. The vast dolphin realm (family Delphinidae) consists of 36 distinct species from 17 genera, spotted in oceans all around the planet. This study examines factors influencing female reproductive success in wild Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) It also maintains large populations offshore, but is not as common as other open water dolphins, such as the short-beaked common dolphin and others. Abstract.

The common bottlenose dolphin is one of the most commonly observed dolphins in coastal waters throughout the world. These aquatic mammals -- and toothed whales -- often reproduce at all points in the year. Bottlenose dolphin mating is a mystery to most human beings, partly because it occurs underwater and is not regularly recorded.

Female dolphins often seem to take on the role of “midwife” during a birth have, and others also act as baby-sitters. Dolphins may seem cute and cuddly, but dolphin mating and reproduction is a different story.