Genus Doloranguis

Doloranguis dolos are known for their powerful jaws and compact teeth. They have specialized dentition evolved perfectly to break through the toughest of exoskeletons, enabling them to access nutrient-rich food sources in their marine habitats. And while they don’t solely inhabit shallow areas, their popularity for being in these areas are typically sent into public knowledge misconceptions, because of how well known the shortfaced dolos are. But Doloranguids are very widespread across the oceans, making an exact place for their range difficult.

Shortfaced Dolo (Doloranguis bobsoni)

The shortfaced dolo is the one that is commonly thought of when doloranguids are mentioned. And although they popularize the doloranguids, they don’t properly represent members of its genus as the shortfaced dolo represents the extreme. Resembling that of a bulldog, or even the extinct theropod dinosaur, Carnotaurus. It’s speculated this is for stronger bites as the muscles in the neck are strong and the dolo itself preys upon organisms with thick shells such as adolescent sea turtles, crabs, lobsters, etc. The shortened snouts are to provide a denser, more compact mouth to transfer more bite force to break through the tough shells of its prey with more success than any other dolo. Shortfaced dolos are impeccable ambush hunters with staggering levels of patience. Many will wait hours for their prey to come close enough for them to snatch a lightning bite. And once the prey is within its jaws, there is little chance of escape.

Williamson Dolo (Doloranguis williamsonae)

Williamson dolo is a larger species of dolo most recognized for their size and the red spot on top of their heads. Although not the largest dolo species, they are still notable for their size. Much like other dolos, they stick their heads and necks above the water during mating season to impress potential mates. And although this behaviour is common among all dolos and tikos, the williamson dolo is known for having bright red and white necks in addition to the red spot on their heads. The males will develop this bright neck colouration during the mating season and many males will stay floating with their long necks and their heads above the water, sometimes performing neck dances to impress the females. On many European coasts, this has become a popular tourist attraction with people taking boating trips to observe the display from a distance.

Paddlefin Dolo (Doloranguis tricersi)

The paddlefin dolo is named after its unique paddle-shaped pectoral and hind fins. Paddlefin dolos are very social in nature and are usually seen in groups, which range in size from a couple of individuals to aggregations of over a thousand. However, 20 to 150 individuals are more commonly observed. Studies have shown that this species often forms small long-term social units made up of around 8-12 individuals. Genetic investigations of the paddlefins driven ashore in the Faroese hunts have shown a relatedness amongst dolos, suggesting a matrilineal structure within social units.This means that calves - females and perhaps the males as well - remain with their mothers for life. Paddlefins have been observed most communicating and socializing with common paddlesnout dolo and the williamson dolo suggesting shared "language". Although the paddlefin's main diet is that of cephalopods and regional specific fish, dietary dissections and autopsies show that they also feed on marine plants making them notably omnivorous. One of the most striking traits would be the peculiar tri-patterned markings along the dolo’s face that have been observed confusing potential predators from attacking.

Frillfaced Dolo (Doloranguis amicus)

The most striking feature of the frillfaced dolo is its frill-like adornments, which extend along the sides of its neck and back. These frills are composed of elongated, flexible skin flaps supported by cartilaginous structures. The exact use for these adornments isn’t clear, but is suspected to be a form of sexual selection as the males have bright vibrant colours and patterns on these frills that can change colours on a whim. While the females have these structures as well, they don’t get as vibrant in colour and pattern as they do in males. Despite the male specific colouration, females still tend to be larger with females reaching lengths of close to 7m long (23ft) and males reach size close to 5m long (16 ft long). Frillfacers are opportunistic animals and will feed on anything available to them. Although it is observed that they regularly hunt cephalopods such as octopodes and squids. frillfaced dolos inhabit a variety of marine environments, including coastal waters, coral reefs, and open ocean habitats. They are widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, managing to sustain healthy wild populations and are most commonly sighted near warm equatorial coasts.

Genus Doloranguis

Shortfaced Dolo (Doloranguis bobsoni)

The Shortfaced Dolo. A head closeup and full body

Williamson Dolo (Doloranguis williamsonae)

Paddlefin Dolo (Doloranguis tricersi)

Frillfaced Dolo (Doloranguis amicus)