Tourists on the Romanian coast were shocked when a wounded dolphin washed ashore. Experts identified it as a Delphinus Delphis species, with wounds likely caused by fishermen’s nets.
The Black Sea is home to three marine mammal species: the common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, and harbor porpoise. The common dolphin, found offshore, feeds on fish and water column organisms, while the others mostly eat fish and benthic creatures in coastal areas.
Common dolphins are distinguished by their bluish-gray to brown dorsal side and grow up to 2 meters. They swim at speeds of up to 50 km/h and live in groups, feeding on small fish and crustaceans, consuming about 10 kg daily.