Coastal, or inshore, dolphins live close to land and are often seen by people on beaches and boats. Oceanic, or offshore, dolphins live farther out at sea. Many dolphins have a homerange, an area where they tend to stay. Some dolphins, like these Commerson's dolphins, swim in shallow coastal waters. Fish is a common catch.
All dolphins are carnivores , or meat eaters.
Many eat fishes and squids, while some, like killer whales, also catch seals, sea lions, walruses, and other dolphins. A dolphin grasps and tears food with its cone-shaped teeth. All dolphins swallow their food whole or in large chunks. Although they sometimes feed by themselves, dolphins most often hunt in groups. Dolphins that live in the open ocean may swim in tight circles around a school of fish and take turns dashing in to catch a bite to eat.