Discover the Aquatic World: Top 9 Amazing Fun Facts About Irrawaddy Dolphins

1. Water Gun Experts

If the Irrawaddy dolphins went to school, they'd ace their water gun fights: these clever creatures use a unique method of squirting water up to 1.5 meters high to herd their fish prey, increasing their chances of a successful catch.
Source => animalalmanacblog.wordpress.com

2. Fashion-Forward Dolphins

Did you know that the Irrawaddy dolphin is the ultimate trendsetter, sporting a Bob-the-Beluga-inspired rounded forehead and minimalistic dorsal fin? They're practically the Coco Chanel of aquatic mammals: Swimming in style, these dolphins can be found inhabiting the Mekong River, where WWF conducts annual population surveys and collaborates with local communities for sustainable fishing methods, ultimately preserving their fabulous habitat. Since 2004, the fashion-forward WWF and TRAFFIC campaigned to ban the international live trade of these dolphins, ensuring that their unique style statement never goes out of vogue.
Source => worldwildlife.org

Did you know dolphins sleep with only half their brain? Discover this unique slumber technique and its purpose in our fun facts!

=> Fun Facts about Dolphins

3. Aquatic Jokers

Irrawaddy dolphins may not be stand-up comedians, but they sure know how to make a splash with their water-spitting antics: These aquatic jokers exhibit a unique feeding behavior where they spit water to herd schools of fish, and in some areas, they even go fishing with human pals, leading to an economic boon for both species.
Source => animaldiversity.org

4. Synchronized Swimmers Rival

Step aside, synchronized swimmers: the Irrawaddy dolphins are here to steal the show with their tag-team bubble-blowing acrobatics and underwater fish-wrangling routine! The serious reveal: These dolphins, found in south and southeast Asia, work in pairs to chase down schools of fish, using a combo of bubble nets and sonar clicks to herd them together, before spinning in circles to create a vortex that traps their prey for an effortless mouthful.
Source => theguardian.com

5. Olympic Fishermen Buddies

Though the Irrawaddy dolphin hasn't won any Olympic swimming medals – it's only clocked in at 25 KPH – it's got an ace up its fin when it comes to hunting for dinner: These clever creatures have actually teamed up with local fishermen to catch fish by herding disoriented prey into nets, showcasing a fascinating instance of animal adaptation to human activity.
Source => amazingadaptations.weebly.com

6. Culinary Adventurers

The Irrawaddy dolphins might as well join a foodie group, considering their ever-changing taste preferences as they age and move around: Known for primarily munching on fish and crustaceans, these flippered food aficionados from the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea adapt their culinary choices based on age and location, eventually graduating to higher-trophic level marine organisms, with distinct regional groups showcasing their own isotopic values that reflect their unique diet and habitat.
Source => onlinelibrary.wiley.com

7. Perfect Fishin'-Buddy Team

When your coworkers have a blowhole and the ultimate fishin'-buddy job title: Irrawaddy dolphins have been known to team up with fishermen, showing up on cue after a wooden stick is tapped to direct fish toward the nets, allowing both the fishermen and the endangered species to share the spoils of their cooperative efforts.
Source => whalescientists.com

8. Brilliant Architect Dolphins

Ever wondered if dolphins are secretly brilliant architects or masterful fish herders? Well, the Irrawaddy dolphin just might be the one to impress you with its innovative waterworks: Sporting a unique blowhole on the left side of its head that opens towards the front, this intelligent mammal cleverly squirts streams of water to herd unsuspecting fish into a tightly packed banquet – a true maestro of the aquatic realm.
Source => marinemammalscience.org

9. Playful Fish Whackers

The Irrawaddy dolphins clearly never heard of "don't play with your food": these aquatic comedians use their flippers to perform a slapstick technique called "fish whacking." Whacking unsuspecting fish like a stand-up comedian slapping a microphone, they stun them before scooping up their disoriented prey for a tasty meal.
Source => wwf.org.kh