Sick Miniature Dolphin Mug

A baby dolphin, known as a calf, is a fascinating example of marine mammalian life. Born after a gestation period that typically lasts between 11 to 17 months, depending on the species, the calf is a product of viviparous reproduction, meaning it develops inside the mother's womb and is born live, rather than hatching from an egg.

At birth, a dolphin calf is usually about a meter long and weighs approximately 10 to 20 kilograms. The calf's body is streamlined and fusiform, an adaptation for efficient swimming. It is equipped with a pair of pectoral flippers for steering, a dorsal fin for stability, and a powerful tail fluke for propulsion.

The calf's skin is smooth and rubbery, with a layer of blubber underneath for insulation and buoyancy. Its coloration varies from light gray to dark, often with a lighter belly, a form of countershading that helps it camouflage in the water column.

The calf's respiratory system is adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, with a blowhole located on top of its head for quick, efficient breathing at the surface. It also possesses a well-developed auditory system, crucial for echolocation, a method of sensing its environment by emitting sound waves and interpreting the echoes.

The calf is typically dependent on its mother for the first few years of life, nursing on a rich, fatty milk and learning vital behaviors such as hunting and social interaction. This period of parental care is crucial for the calf's survival and integration into dolphin society.

Ceramic, dishwasher and microwave safe.