Individuals seem to make regular use of a particular area, but some animals move to different areas seasonally. Off the west coast of Florida, a population of about 105 dolphins appears to maintain an overall home range of approximately 85 sq km. The density in this region is about average for the species, but other reported densities range from 0.06 to 4.80 per sq km. Territorial defense has not been observed in Tursiops, though individuals sometimes appear to recognize range boundaries. Social hierarchies are evident in captivity, with the largest adult male in a tank being dominant to all other individuals and the larger females ranking above smaller females.
Dominance is expressed by biting, ramming, and tail slapping.
The normal interval between calves is two years, but if the young dies at birth, another offspring may be produced a year later. The gestation period is 12 months. Lactation usually lasts 12-18 months, but the young may begin to take some solid food at less than 6 months. Sexual maturity is reportedly attained at some point between 5 and 12 years in females and between 9 and 13 years in males. Products include meat for human consumption, fertilizer, body oil for cooking and illumination, and jaw oil for use as a lubricant in watches and precision instruments.