Dolphins are known for their playful nature and intelligence, but their diet is equally fascinating. These aquatic mammals are carnivores, which means that they primarily eat meat. The specific types of food that what do dolphins eat depend on their species, location, and the availability of prey in their environment.

Most dolphins feed on fish and squid, but they may also eat other marine animals like octopus, crabs, and shrimp. Some species of dolphins have even been known to hunt and eat small sharks. However, the exact composition of a dolphin's diet can vary based on factors like age, sex, and seasonal changes in prey availability.

Fish are the most common prey for most dolphin species. Some of the fish species that what do dolphins eat include herring, mackerel, anchovies, and cod. Dolphins are also known to eat small schooling fish like sardines and pilchards. When hunting for fish, dolphins use echolocation to locate their prey. This involves sending out sound waves and using the echoes that bounce back to create a picture of their surroundings. Once they've located a school of fish, they will use their speed and agility to capture them.

Squid are another important part of a dolphin's diet. These cephalopods are a rich source of protein and are high in calories, making them an ideal food for dolphins. Some of the squid species that dolphins eat include arrow squid, market squid, and jumbo squid. Like with fish, dolphins use echolocation to locate squid, and they can also use their sharp teeth to capture and hold onto their slippery prey.

In addition to fish and squid, dolphins may also eat other marine animals like octopus and shrimp. Octopus are known for their intelligence, but they're no match for a hungry dolphin. Some species of dolphins have been observed using different hunting techniques to catch octopus. For example, bottlenose dolphins in Western Australia have been observed flipping octopus onto their backs to immobilize them before swallowing them whole.