The mouth of a dolphin is commonly referred to as a beak. Unlike the mouths of many other animals, a dolphin’s beak isn’t a true beak in the traditional sense, but it resembles one due to its elongated shape.
Dolphins have a unique dental structure within their beaks. They have conical teeth, which are perfectly adapted for grasping slippery prey like fish and squid. It’s interesting to note that the number of teeth a dolphin has can vary significantly from species to species, with some having as few as 18 teeth and others having over 40.
The beak plays a crucial role not only in feeding but also in social interactions. Dolphins can often be seen using their beaks to nudge or gently tap each other during play or communication. This behavior highlights the complex social structures and playful nature of these intelligent marine mammals.