Weight-length relationships of wild-caught and captive Atlantic bottlenose dolphins

Length and weight measurements were obtained on 144 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Data were compared for wild-caught dolphins (n = 124), dolphins in training (n = 34), and dolphins that had died in an emaciated condition (n = 15). The purpose of the study was to establish guidelines for use in estimating when a dolphin is over- or underweight. Regression lines were plotted to give the minimal acceptable weight for any length from 185 to 265 cm.