The Different Types of Dolphin Species

Zoologists have identified nearly 40 species of marine and river dolphins and six species of porpoises. Dolphins have longer snouts and pods than porpoises. They also form social structures that are quite complex in nature. As a result, the whales and dolphins are classified into two different families. However, they exist as a particular kind of whale, and they are assumed to have evolved from a common ancestor.

  1. Bottlenose Dolphin

    • The Bottlenose dolphin is one of the well-known dolphin species. These dolphins are often found in aquariums, performing shows. They are the largest beaked dolphins. Humans are usually quite comfortable with them because their facial expression looks like a smile. These dolphins are found all over the world. They are seen off the European and North American coastlines. The dolphins can grow to about 12 feet in length and can weigh about 800 pounds.

    Common Dolphins

    • As the name indicates, common dolphins are common. They are very colorful in nature, and can be tan, black or gray with white markings. The common dolphins are found in temperate as well as tropical seas. They are often found in the open ocean. The common dolphins can grow to about 8 feet in length and weigh up to about 165 pounds. These dolphins feed on smaller fishes and water animals.

    Spinner Dolphins

    • As their name indicates, these dolphins actually spin as they jump out of water. They are quite slim, when compared with other dolphin species. The largest among these dolphins are about 7 feet in length and weigh 200 pounds. They are also found in the tropical oceans around the world and live away from the shore. The most important feature or characteristic of the spinner dolphin is its long beak. This beak is used to catch squid or any other small fish.

    Orca, Killer Whale

    • Though these dolphins are often mistaken as whales, they actually belong to the dolphin family. The orca is the largest as well as the longest dolphin, and could grow to about 30 feet in length and weigh up to 8 tons. These dolphins are found all over the world, in tropical, temperate and polar climates. Another peculiarity is that they live in pods, and might remain in the same pods for their entire lives.