The Ileach dolphin pod

Name: The Ileach pod (pronounced Eee-lich)

Species: Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Sex: Males and females

Pod size: The pod is made up of seven individuals though they frequently join together with other groups

Where do the Ileach dolphins live?

Around the Hebridean islands, off the west coast of Scotland.

What does the name Ileach mean?

When researchers first started studying this particular pod they were frequently seen swimming close to the Hebridean Island of Islay. Ileach is Gaelic for ‘from Islay’.

What do we know about the Ileach pod?

The Ileach Pod is made up of a mixture of male and female dolphins of various ages. Researchers believe that the main pod is comprised of seven individuals but the fluid social life of dolphins means that pods often split of merge. Three of the seven bottlenose dolphins that make up the Ileach pod are easy to identify. Scotty is recognized by the small nicks along the trailing edge of his dorsal fin. He’s an inquisitive character and often the first to approach the research boat. Aquarius, another male, is rarely far behind. Heavy scarring on the top of his dorsal fin suggests he is probably an older dolphin. Lykeisha is a sociable young female with a distinctive mark behind her left eye.

How do researchers study wild dolphins like the Ileach pod?

Photographs are taken of the dolphins’ dorsal fins and the images are analysed for distinctive markings. Dolphins frequently have a range of markings from squabbling with other dolphins or from squabbling with other dolphins or from parasites. As researchers begin to repeatedly see the same dolphins, so they can build up a picture of their movements, habits and social interactions.

Bottlenose dolphins

The average lifespan of a wild bottlenose dolphin is 45 years.

Size: An adult bottlenose dolphin may reach up to 3m in length and weigh almost 300kg.

Physical appearance: Bottlenose dolphins are named after their short, thick beaks. Their upper body is dark grey in colour, fading to white or light pink on their belly. The dorsal fin or bottlenose dolphins is tall, broad and curved.

Diet: They eat a wide variety of foods including fish, squid and shrimps. They don’t use their teeth to chew, but swallow their meal whole and head-first to avoid damage from fish bones.