Among the more than 40 species of dolphins, the killer whale (or orca) is the largest, while the bottlenose dolphin is the most commonly encountered.
As these majestic marine mammals glide through the open ocean in their pods, it raises an intriguing question: How do dolphins stay hydrated? Do they drink saltwater, or do they rely on fresh water sources?
Surprisingly, dolphins do not drink water in the same way land animals do. Due to their unique physiology, dolphins are less likely to become dehydrated compared to terrestrial animals, which are constantly exposed to the sun.
Instead of drinking water, dolphins derive moisture from the food they consume, primarily fish and other marine prey. This is a behavior shared by other marine mammals, such as whales and seals.
Additionally, dolphins don’t chew their food but swallow it whole. This feeding strategy helps reduce the risk of prey becoming lodged in their throats. Their teeth are used more for grasping than for chewing, ensuring efficient consumption of their diet.
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