{"id":21833,"date":"2026-04-17T16:12:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T16:12:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/futurismo.pt\/blog\/what-is-a-group-of-dolphins-called-scientific-approach\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T16:12:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T16:12:22","slug":"what-is-a-group-of-dolphins-called-scientific-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.futurismo.pt\/it\/blog\/che-cosa-e-un-gruppo-di-delfini-chiamato-approccio-scientifico\/","title":{"rendered":"che cosa \u00e8 un gruppo di delfini chiamato approccio scientifico"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are wondering what a group of dolphins is called, you\u2019ve come to the right place! A group of dolphins is called a pod. This name is not exclusive to dolphins, whales, and porpoises; it is also used for a pod. These cetaceans are sea mammals and are not fish, so these groups do not usually use the name ‘school’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although many older studies and articles refer to a group of dolphins as a school, this term is now outdated for cetaceans and is used less frequently. Dolphins are very social animals, and the interactions in these groups are very diverse. How do these social groups work, and what are the compositions of these pods? Find out in this article!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Group<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\u00c1lvaro RP | A pod of striped dolphins in S\u00e3o Miguel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A pod of dolphins generally contains 10\u201330 dolphins. However, this number varies across species and is not a golden standard. Dolphin pods are fluid, and the number of individuals in a group can change over the years. Some pods can even contain one hundred to several hundred dolphins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different kinds of groups form, such as a nursery pod. This is a pod that exists mainly of females with their young. These baby dolphins, called calves, will be cared for by the entire nursery pod. The baby dolphins form powerful bonds with their mothers and are almost inseparable. If they are male and reach maturity, they may leave the pod to find another group of females or even join another group of males.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Bachelor male groups are not uncommon. They usually consist of one to three males, but they can grow bigger. A pod of these mature males can start to dissolve as they age, although some form such a strong bond that the pod only parts when one of them dies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common pods of dolphins are still the aggregations of males, females, and their calves. These group structures, however, can fluctuate, and the dolphin pod can join up with other pods or split throughout its existence. Every species of dolphin has its own way of living, which results in a wide variety of social groups, and no pod of dolphins is the same!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Superpod<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Roxane
Roxane Rambert | A pod of striped dolphins traveling on the south coast of Pico Island<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Different pods of dolphins can join up together to form a superpod. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These superpods can become so large that it consists of more than 3000 animals!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

These superpods form around areas where food is abundant, and the ocean is deep and open. The cetaceans enjoy the large meals and new social interactions with these unfamiliar dolphin pods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social Behavior<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"David
David Rodrigues | A pod of orcas in S\u00e3o Miguel Island<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dolphins stay together in pods for several reasons. Social interaction is essential for these animals, as it provides multiple advantages. Complex social bonds form between these beautiful animals; however, these bonds are similar to human bonds and are still not fully understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeding groups<\/a> are a prime example of a behavioral advantage. Because these dolphins constitute these pods, they can hunt together and have a better chance of getting a good meal. They use different hunting techniques, such as bubble-netting and tail-slapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pods also form to mate<\/a> and create the next generation. Dolphins do not only mate to reproduce but also for fun, just like humans and certain primates such as bonobos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A large pod has a greater advantage against predator attacks. In groups, they can defend themselves better, and it is harder to single out an individual as an easy target. Calves have a better chance of growing up because of the protection of their pod, which usually makes them an easy target. Single males are sometimes seen, making them easier targets. These males may still join a pod or be seeking a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orcas, or killer whales, have a very tight family bond. They stay together for almost their whole lives to hunt, socialize, and even mate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pods in the Azores<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Anxo
Anxo Cao | Our well-known Bottlenose Dolphin<\/a>, called Egyptian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Here in the Azores, we have some returning dolphin pods. We can see these animals year-round, which means they are resident species. The Azores have four resident species: common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso\u2019s dolphins, and sperm whales. Within our resident species, we can recognize some individuals and pods through photo-identification!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo-identification is a good way to connect some dots. We photograph the dolphins and compare their characteristics, but, most importantly, we compare their dorsal fins. These dorsal fins are just like our fingerprints and are unique for every dolphin.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Most of these pods can be seen with the same individuals for multiple years. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n

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\"Anxo
Anxo Cao | A beautiful close-up of an Atlantic Spotted Dolphin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

For example, there is a group of bottlenose dolphins that is very recognizable because of two very special dolphins. One has a triangular dorsal fin and is called the Egyptian; the other doesn\u2019t have a dorsal fin and is called the Submarine. Egyptian and Submarine are inseparable and have been seen together for years!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These bottlenose dolphins are just one example of tight social structures, and similar structures are found among individuals in various species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, dolphins have very special bonds and interactions within these pods. They are very social and have evolved to work better in groups.\u00a0Remember, a group of dolphins is called a pod, and these dolphins are very smart and form tight relationships!<\/p>\n\n\n

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References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n