Tursiops Gilli is a species of dolphin found in the waters of northern Australia. It is named after Francis Gill, an Australian naturalist who discovered and studied the species. The spelling of Tursiops Gilli is pronounced as /tər’siːəps ‘gɪli/. The "s" sound in Tursiops is spelled with a "si" in the middle, whereas the "g" in Gilli is pronounced as a "j" sound. This pronunciation is represented by the IPA phonetic transcription, which uses symbols to indicate the individual sounds of the word.
Tursiops Gilli, also known as the Gilli's bottlenose dolphin, is a species of marine mammal belonging to the family Delphinidae. It is a small-sized member of the Tursiops genus, commonly known as bottlenose dolphins.
The Gilli's bottlenose dolphin is characterized by its robust body structure and a prominent beak. It typically reaches an average length between 2.5 to 3 meters and weighs around 150 to 250 kilograms. The dorsal fin of this species is well-developed and curved, enabling it to navigate through the water with agility.
These dolphins are primarily found in the coastal waters of Indonesia, specifically in the Indonesian Archipelago and adjacent areas. They inhabit both shallow and deep marine environments, including reefs, estuaries, and open ocean waters. Tursiops Gilli is mainly considered a marine and nearshore species, demonstrating a preference for warm tropical waters.
Tursiops Gilli is a highly social species and typically forms groups called pods, consisting of around 10 to 30 individuals. They are known for their playful behavior, intelligence, and strong social bonds. These dolphins are opportunistic feeders, preying on a variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans.
While Tursiops Gilli is not currently considered endangered, it faces various threats from human activities, such as pollution, habitat degradation, and accidental capture in fishing nets. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the long-term survival of this species and its important ecological role in the marine ecosystems it inhabits.