Dolphin megapod seen for the first time – in pictures

Dolphin megapod seen for the first time – in pictures

Supertrooper News, Wildlife


A gathering of 3000-5000 spinner dolphins, known as a megapod, is filmed underwater for the first time for a BBC series, Dolphins – Spy in the Pod. Two robotic ‘spy creatures’ with cameras in their mouths and eyes view the dolphins gathering to socialise in the nutrient-rich waters off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica – Dolphins – Spy in the Pod, BBC One, from Thursday 2nd January, 8pm and Thursday 9th January, 8pm

spinner dolphins 002
Spinner dolphins are often found cruising at a gentle speed of 5mph but occasionally, as seen here, they stampede off and can reach speeds of up to 25mph Photograph: John Downer Productions
Spy Dolphin 010
Spy Dolphin captures the moment a dolphin corkscrews from the water. Spinner dolphins often have remoras (suckerfishes) attached to them. One theory behind their unique behaviour is that the remoras are a nuisance and the spinning helps to dislodge them Photograph: John Downer Productions
spinner dolphins 005
Spy Dolphin gets close to a dolphin spinning at the surface Photograph: John Downer Productions
Spy Dolphin 009
Spy Dolphin captures a glimpse of the megapod beneath the surface Photograph: John Downer Productions
Spy Tuna 008
Spy Tuna gets into the centre of the megapod underwater Photograph: John Downer Productions
Spy Tuna 007
Spy Tuna views a superpod of over 1000 dolphins Photograph: John Downer Productions
spinner dolphins 003
Spinner dolphins continue to spin as the sun sets off the coast of Costa Rica Photograph: John Downer Productions
A rare glimpse of a megap 001
A rare glimpse of a megapod of spinner dolphins – where two superpods meet to socialise and mate Photograph: John Downer Productions

This article was written and published by the Guardian.

Dive in!

Discover hidden wildlife with our FREE newsletters

We promise we’ll never spam! Read our Privacy Policy for more info

Supertrooper

Founder and Executive Editor

Share this post with your friends




Leave a Reply

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

2 Comments

You may also like: