Tourists on the Romanian coast were shocked to see a wounded dolphin washed ashore. Despite efforts to save it, the dolphin, identified as a Delphinus delphis, did not survive. Experts believe fishing nets caused the injuries.

The Black Sea hosts three marine mammal species: the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis ponticus), the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus), and the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta).

These species differ in anatomy and diet. Bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises feed on fish and benthic organisms near the coast, while common dolphins prefer offshore areas, eating fish in the water column.

Common dolphins have distinctive bluish-gray to brown dorsal sides and black to gray-brown fins. They swim in groups of 10-15, reaching speeds of 50 km/h. “Sensitive to pollution, they dive briefly and surface often,” noted an expert.

Sexual maturity is reached at two years, with a 10-month gestation period. These dolphins have a lifespan of 25-30 years and a diet that includes small pelagic fish and crustaceans, consuming around 10 kg daily.