1. Mullets: Mullets are a type of small, schooling fish that are found in coastal waters and estuaries. Bottlenose dolphins often hunt mullets in groups, using cooperative herding techniques to corner and capture the fish.
2. Herring: Herring are small, oily fish that are found in large schools in coastal waters and estuaries. Bottlenose dolphins often target herring during their seasonal migrations when the fish are most abundant.
3. Mackerel: Mackerel are fast-swimming, pelagic fish that are found in open waters. Bottlenose dolphins may chase mackerel at high speeds, using their streamlined bodies and powerful tails to catch the fish.
4. Squid: Squid are cephalopods that are found in both coastal and open waters. Bottlenose dolphins are opportunistic predators and may consume squid when they are available.
5. Flounder: Flounder are flatfish that live on the bottom of coastal waters and estuaries. Bottlenose dolphins may search for flounder by using their echolocation abilities to detect the buried fish.
6. Menhaden: Menhaden are small, oily fish that are found in large schools along the Atlantic coast of North America. Bottlenose dolphins often feed on menhaden during the summer months when the fish are most abundant.
7. Anchovies: Anchovies are small, schooling fish that are found in coastal waters and estuaries. Bottlenose dolphins may target anchovies when other prey species are scarce.
The specific fish species that bottlenose dolphins consume can vary depending on their geographic location, habitat preferences, and prey availability. Bottlenose dolphins are opportunistic predators and may adjust their diet based on the most accessible and abundant food sources.