Marealtumis dolos are distinguished by their surprising agility and lean bodies. They are well-adapted for life in open ocean environments, where they hunt for fast-moving prey such as fish and seabirds. If they aren’t traveling in the open ocean, other species are adapted for darker depths and deep sea swimming.
The common paddlesnout dolo (or atlantic paddlesnout) is one of the most recognizable dolos of all. They are the most common dolo seen in aquariums and showcasing places around the world. Paddlesnouts are the dolos that most people think of when they hear the word "Dolo". Despite having the most notoriety and being well known by the general public, paddlesnouts are of the most endangered species of dolo. Whether from overfishing, pollution, boats, poachers, or hunting, their populations have only gotten worse in the coming years.
The diving dolo (or the sinker) is one of the most unique dolos ever known, with their shortened necks, smaller body, lures for fish, and large eyes. They are are relatively solitary for dolos, which makes them stand amongst others of their family as most dolo species are quite social. Their tongues are long and slender and possess a symbiotic bioluminescent algae on the tip that they use to lure prey to their mouths. Among the other dolos, sinkers are able to stay underwater for much longer periods of time. Because of their relatively solitary lifestyles and their adaptation to darker and deeper parts of the ocean, they are very rarely seen and it is increasingly difficult to spot them at night when they come up for air.
The pigmy dolo is a sister species to the much larger diving dolo and much like their sister species, they possess short necks. These dolos are known for being the smallest dolos of the entire family. Averaging at a length of a mere 106cm (3.5ft) long, they are only located off the coast of Guatemala in a large island bay and similar islands in the chain. They are notably skittish by nature and often avoid human activity, whether this is learned behaviour or a natural instinctive behaviour is unknown. While they do eat primarily fish, they have been observed hunting small mammals near the shores and in the bay, as well as seabirds that don't keep track of their surroundings. Typically pygmy dolos hide their bodies in the water while letting their long necks and small heads poke out to appear like an unassuming prey. When approached, they will strike with their painful bites from their close together teeth, and drag their prize in the water.
As the name suggests, the short-necked pacific dolo is distinguished by its relatively short neck compared to other members of its genus. This adaptation allows for improved agility and maneuverability in aquatic environments as it allows the animal to perform quick attacks with surprising precision. The teeth resemble a cage when interlocked properly, perfectly adapted for trapping any unfortunate prey to get locked in its jaws. Estimated at sizes between 9.3-12m (30.5-39ft) long, there is little to no sexual dimorphism among male and female. Identifying acceptable mates amongst the species is determined by hunting efficiency and healthiness. The moniker “pacific dolo” is in reference to their range in the Pacific Ocean which is where they are most commonly found.
