Bimini’s bathymetry may also play a role in the distribution of bottlenose dolphin
sightings. The bathymetry of the area between the coast and continental shelf creates
suitable habitat for the bottlenose dolphins (Shane et al. 1986, Bearzi 2005). Shallow
warm waters provide habitat for benthic and demersal prey (Rossbach and Herzing
1999, Bearzi 2005, Gnone et al. 2011). On numerous occasions DCP researchers have
seen bottlenose dolphins crater feeding on sand tilefish (Melacanthus spp.) and garden
eels (Heteroconger spp.; DCP unpublished data 2013).