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The Delphinidae is the largest and most diverse family of cetaceans; it contains 26 species of dolphins and 6 toothed whales.
Dolphins can dive quickly or slowly for different reasons these are both explained and illustrated below:
Whilst all dolphins swim slowly at times those coastal dolphins which tend to feed on slower moving prey are rarely able to swim at high speeds. As they rise to breathe they barely disturb the surface water and show relatively little of themselves before disappearing again (see Fig. 1 below).
Some dolphins are able to achieve high speeds by leaping out of the water in a series of arcs every time they need to breathe instead of swimming along the surface. In exceptional circumstances they have been known to reach speeds of 25mph (40km/h). By leaping completely out of the water they are able to reduce turbulence and drag at the waters surface and maintain speed while using the minimum amount of energy (see Fig. 2 below).
| Slow swimming | Fast swimming |
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| Fig. 1 | Fig. 2 |
A brief overview of how each species in this family can be identified is given below. The scientific name is also shown in italics after the common name for each species.
| Commerson's Dolphin [Cephalorhynchus commersonii] Striking black and white body pattern which is shaped like that of a porpoise. However, conspicuous behaviour is unmistakingly dolphin like. Alternative names for this species are: Skunk dolphin, Piebald dolphin, Black and white dolphin, Jacobite, Puffin pig. |
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| Black Dolphin [Cephalorhynchus eutropia] This is a species which is relatively unknown. It is an inconspicuous dolphin with a very limited distribution in southern Chile. This species has a large rounded dorsal fin and a stock body. Alternative names for this species are: White-bellied dolphin, Chilean dolphin, Chilean black dolphin. |
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| Heaviside's Dolphin [Cephalorhynchus heavisidii] This is a relatively unknown dolphin with a robust body, prominent triangular dorsal fin and striking black, white and grey colouring. Alternative names for this species are: South African dolphin, Benguela dolphin. |
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| Hector's Dolphin [Cephalorhynchus hectori] One of the smallest cetaceans with a distinctive round dorsal fin and complex body pattern of grey black and white. This species is one of the rarest marine dolphins. Alternative names for this species are: Little pied dolphin, New Zealand dolphin, New Zealand white-front dolphin. |
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| Common Dolphin [Delpinus delphis -(short-beaked)] [Delphinus capensis - (long-beaked)]
Easily recognised by the hourglass pattern or complex crisscross pattern on the side, the Common dolphin is recorded in art and literature throughout history and is is one of the more gregarious cetaceans. Color patterns on the common dolphin are the most elaborate of any cetacean. The back is dark grey to black from the top of the head to the tail dipping to a V on the sides below the dorsal fin. The flanks are light grey behind the dorsal fin and yellowish or tan forward of the dorsal fin, forming an hourglass pattern. It's belly is white and there are large dark circles around the eyes connected by a dark line that runs across the head behind the beak and a black stripe runs from the jaw to the flippers. The dorsal fin is triangular to falcate (curved). It is pointed and located near the middle of the back and is black to light grey in color with a black border. The flippers are long and thin and slightly curved or pointed depending on geographical location. Flukes are thin and pointed at the tips with a slight notch in the center. The long-beaked common dolphin is more muted in color. When looking at the profile of the two types of common dolphin, the short-beaked common dolphin has a more rounded melon that meets the beak at a sharp angle, as compared to the long-beaked common dolphin that has a flatter melon that meets the beak at a more gradual angle. Alternative names for this species are: Saddleback dolphin, White bellied porpoise, Criss-cross dolphin, Hourglass dolphin, Cape dolphin. [click here for images] |
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| Pygmy Killer Whale [Feresa attenuata] Small shy and little known whale, best identified by its rounded head and dark cape. Alternative names for this species are: Slender blackfish, Slender pilot whale. |
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| Shortfinned Pilot Whale [Globicephala] The pilot whale, is a member of the dolphin family, and is second only to the killer whale in size. It is easily trained, displaying intelligence equal to that of the bottlenose dolphin. It is extremely social, and is well known for stranding in groups of a few animals to several hundred at a time.The shortfinned pilot whale is almost identical to the long-finned pilot whale but has shorter flippers, fewer teeth and tend to be found in warmer waters. The pilot whale has a distinct rounded head with a very slight beak and an up-curved mouthline. In males the rounded head may protrude up to 4 inches over the lower jaw. Its body is long and stocky, narrowing along the caudal peduncle (tailstock). Generally all black to coal grey, the pilot whale has a white or light gray anchor-shaped patch on its ventral (bottom) surface. Its prominent dorsal fin is located on the forward part of its back, and is falcate (strongly curved) with a long base. Its flippers are sickle shaped and males are much larger than females. Alternative names for this species are: Pothead whale, Shortfin pilot whale, Pacific pilot whale. |
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| Lonfinned Pilot Whale [Globicephala melas] Often found in colder waters than the short finned pilot whale. It also has exceptionally long flippers. The pilot whale, is a member of the dolphin family, and is second only to the killer whale in size. It is easily trained, displaying intelligence equal to that of the bottlenose dolphin. It is extremely social, and is well known for stranding in groups of a few animals to several hundred at a time. The pilot whale has a distinct rounded head with a very slight beak and an up-curved mouthline. In males the rounded head may protrude up to 4 inches over the lower jaw. Its body is long and stocky, narrowing along the caudal peduncle (tailstock). Generally all black to coal grey, the pilot whale has a white or light gray anchor-shaped patch on its ventral (bottom) surface. Its prominent dorsal fin is located on the forward part of its back, and is falcate (strongly curved) with a long base. Its flippers are sickle shaped and, in the long-finned pilot whale, very long and males are much larger than females. Alternative names for this species are: Pothead whale, Caaing whale, Longfin pilot whale, Atlantic pilot whale. |
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| Risso's Dolphin [Grampus griseus] This is a large unmistakable dolphin. Risso's dolphins, are one of the larger members of the dolphin family. They are usually an offshore dolphin whose inshore appearance is uncommon. They have distinctive body markings and they have only 7 or fewer pairs of teeth in the front of the lower jaw, and typically none in the upper jaw. This is a relatively robust dolphin with a rounded head, similar in shape to the more familiar pilot whale. They have an unusual external vertical crease in the melon that runs from the front of the forehead to the mouth. Adult Risso's dolphins are usually dark gray with extensive white scarring. The scars can be scratches, splotches, or circular marks and, in some animals, can be so extensive that the entire body appears to be white. This scarring may come from bites from other Risso's dolphins, squid bites, or parasites. As calves, their bodies are a uniform light grey, which then darkens to a brownish-grey in juveniles. Risso's dolphins also have a white anchor-shaped patch, similar to pilot whales, on their ventral/chest area. The dorsal fin is tall, falcate (curved) and located near the middle of the back. The flukes are broad and curved with a deep median notch. The flippers are relatively long and thin, and pointed almost straight back. The tailstock, or peduncle, is very slender. Alternative names for this species are: Grey dolphin, White-head grampus, Grey grampus, Grampus. |
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| Fraser's Dolphin [Lagendelphis hosei] This dolphin was not seen until the early 1970s but there have been many sightings since then. It has a stocky build, a dark lateral stripe and a small dorsal fin. Alternative names for this species are: Sarawak dolphin, Shortsnout dolphin, Bornean dolphin, White bellied dolphin, Fraser's porpoise. |
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| Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin [Lagenorhynchus acutus] A sociable dolphin with a distinctive yellowish streak on either side of its thick tale. This species is a fast swimmer and is fairly acrobatic. The Atlantic species is larger and more robust than its Pacific counterpart. Alternative names for this species are: Jumper, Springer, Lag, Atlantic white sided porpoise. |
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| White-Beaked Dolphin [Lagenorhynchus albirostris] This is a large and exceptionally robust dolphin with a prominent dorsal fin and a powerful swimming style. The 2 white areas on the body are flanks and some of this species may also have a white beak. Alternative names for this species are: White-nosed dolphin, Squidhound, White beaked porpoise. [click here for images] |
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| Peale's Dolphin [Lagenorhynchus australis] The dark face and brilliant white “armpits” help to identify this fairly commonly known but relatively unknown dolphin. Alternative names for this species are: Blackchin dolphin, Peale's blackchinned dolphin, Southern dolphin, Peale's porpoise. |
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| Hour-Glass Dolphin [Lagenorhynchus cruciger] This species is an inhabitant of remote Antarctic seas. It has a distinctive black and . white colouring and a prominent dorsal fin.Alternative names for this species are: Wilson's dolphin, Southern white sided dolphin. |
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| Pacific White-Sided Dolphin [Lagenorhynchus obliquidens] This is a highly active and demonstrative species they are avid bow-riders and acrobatic jumpers and are very similar to the dusky dolphin. Often referred to as "lag" because of its cumbersome scientific name. The Pacific white-sided dolphin has a short, rounded, thick beak. It is attractively marked. Its back is black and its sides are light grey with thin, white stripes that extend from above the eye along the sides, widening towards the tail; its belly is white and it has a black beak and lips and a black ring around each eye. Its dorsal fin is tall and sharply hooked, and is located at the center of the back. The leading edge is black and the rear portion is light grey. Its flippers are small and curved and rounded at the tips. Its flukes are notched in the center. It is believed that Pacifice Whitesided dolphins can dive for upto 5 mins at a time upto depths of 210m. Alternative names for this species are: Lag, Pacific striped dolphin, White-striped dolphin, Hook-finned porpoise. [click here for images] |
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| Dusky Dolphin []Lagenorhynvhus obscurus One of the most acrobatic of all the cetaceans. It has a striking but complex body coloration and is highly gregarious. Alternative names for this species are: Fitzroy's dolphin. [click here for images] |
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| Tucuxi [Sotalia fluviatilis] One of the smallest cetaceans, found in shallow coastal waters and rivers. There is great colour difference between individuals and populations. Alternative names for this species are: Estuarine dolphin. |
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| Indopacific Humped Dolphin [Sousa chinensis] Very similar to the Atlantic-Humped back dolphin with an elongated hump on its back. This cetacean is usually hard to approach. Alternative names for this species are: Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Speckled dolphin. |
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| Atlantic Humpbacked Dolphin [Sousa teuszii] Very similar to the Indo-Pacific humped backed dolphin. This cetacean is named after the elongated hump in the middle of it’s back. Alternative names for this species are: Atlantic hump back dolphin, Cameroon dolphin. |
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| Pantropical Spotted Dolphin [Stenella attenuata] Spotted dolphins are difficult to describe because their size and coloring vary according to their geographic location, but most animals can be identified by their distinctive spotting and extremely active behaviour. Generally speaking, these animals go through five color phases: newborn calves are dark grey with a white belly and no spots the color then changes to two-tone, sharply divided, dark on top, light on belly and no spots. During their adolescent phase dark spots begin to appear on the lower part of the body and later light spots appear on the dark upper portion of the body, as the dolphin ages dark ventral (underside) spots merge almost into a solid color with pink shading on the forward part of the belly. The dorsal (top) fin is tall and curved; the flippers are small and pointed. The flukes are small and pointed at the tips with a small median notch. Alternative names for this species are: Spotted dolphin, Whitespotted dolphin, Bridled dolphin, Spotter, Spotted porpoise, Slender-beaked dolphin. [click here for images] |
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| Short-snouted spinner Dolphin [Stenella clymene] Little is known about the short-snouted spinner dolphin. It's flippers are small and pointed at the tips, and its dark grey or black dorsal fin is curved and nearly pointed, and is located in the middle of the back. It has a shorter, slightly stubbier beak than the long-snouted spinner dolphin. It is dark grey on the upper body, with a light grey area from the eyes along the sides to the tail with a white belly. It sometimes spins longitudinally when breaching, although it rarely leaps. Alternative names for this species are: Clymene dolphin, Helmet dolphin, Senegal dolphin. [click here for images] |
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| Striped Dolphin [Stenella coeruleolba] Probably one of the most common of the cetaceans with distinctive striping and often a bright pink under side. Alternative names for this species are: Euphrosyne dolphin, Whitebelly, Blue-white dolphin, Meyen's dolphin, Gray's Dolphin, Streaker porpoise. [click here for images] |
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Atlantic Spotted Dolphin [Stenella frontalis] |
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| Long-Snoutted Spinner Dolphin [stenella longirostris] One of the most acrobatic of all cetaceans and well know for it’s spectacular aerial displays. There are many different varieties of these species. The body size, shape, and color patterns of the various forms differ according to geographical location. Spinners in general all share common characteristics: their bodies are slender and their beaks are long and thin. Their flippers are small and pointed at the tips. Their coloring is in shades of dark gray, light gray, and white and most forms have white bellies Alternative names for this species are: Longsnout, Spinner, Long-beaked dolphin, Rollover. [click here for images] |
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| Rough-Toothed Dolphin [Steno bredanensis] Very distinctive dolphin with a uniquely shaped head. However it is rarely seen in the wild and little is known about it. Alternative names for this species are: Slopehead. |
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| Bottlenose Dolphin [Tursiops truncatus] This is a relatively robust dolphin with a usually short and stubby beak - hence the name "bottlenose". The bottlenose dolphin (like the beluga) has more flexibility in its neck than other oceanic dolphins. They are a highly active and well-known dolphin. The color of the bottlenose dolphin varies, but generally this dolphin is light grey to slate grey on the upper part of the body at the top near the dorsal fin, shading to very light grey and almost white, pinkish grey on the belly. This makes them hard to see both from above and below when swimming. The elongated upper and lower jaws give the animals their name of bottlenose. The real nose however is the blowhole on top of the head. They have a prominent dorsal fin, which is high and falcate (curved) and located near the middle of their back. The flukes are broad and curved with a deep median notch. The flippers are of moderate length and pointed. It is believed that Bottlenose dolphins can dive for upto 10 mins at a time upto depths of 535m. Males tend to be slightly longer and considerably heavier than females on average and the size of the dolphin appears to vary considerably with habitat. For Example those dolphins in warmer, shallower waters tend to have a smaller body than their cousins in cooler pelagic waters. Alternative names for this species are: Grey porpoise, Black porpoise, Bottle-nosed dolphin, Atlantic (or pacific) Bottlenose dolphin, Cowfish. [click here for images] |
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| Northern Right Whale Dolphin [Lissodelphis borealis]
Unmistakable at sea with its distinctive black upper and sides and it also has no dorsal fin. Alternative names for this species are: Pacific right whale porpoise. |
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| Southern Right Whale Dolphin [Lissodelphis peronii] Easily identified at sea by its striking black and white body pattern. It is also the only dolphin in the southern hemisphere without a dorsal fin. Alternative names for this species are: Mealy - mouted porpoise. |
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| Irrawaddy Dolphin [Orcaella brevirostris] This is a distinctive dolphin with a rounded head, small stubby dorsal fin and large flippers. This species is found in shallow coastal waters and rivers. Alternative names for this species are: Snubfin dolphin. [click here for images] |
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| Killer Whale [Orcinus orca] The Killer Whale or orca, with its distinctive black and white body and a prominent dorsal fin, is one of the best known of all the cetaceans. The Killer Whale is known for being a carnivorous, fast and skillful hunter, with a complex social structure and a cosmopolitan distribution. The Killer Whale is a stout, streamlined animal. It has a round head that is tapered, with an indistinct beak and straight mouthline. It has a striking color pattern made up of well-defined areas of shiny black and cream or white. The dorsal (top) part of its body is black, with a pale white to grey "saddle" behind the dorsal fin. It has an oval, white eyepatch behind and above each eye. The chin, throat, central length of the ventral (underside) area, and undersides of the tail flukes are white. Each whale can be individually identified by its markings and by the shape of its saddle patch and dorsal fin. Another distinctive feature of the Killer Whale is its dorsal fin, which can reach 6 feet (1.8 m) high in males and is shaped like an isosceles triangle. The immature male and the female dorsal fins are also large, reaching 3 feet (0.91 m) high, but are falcate (curved). The dorsal fin often has identifying nicks, cuts, scars and indentations. The paddle-shaped pectoral flippers are broad, rounded, and can reach a length of nearly 6 feet (1.8 m) and a width of 3 feet (0.91 m). It is believed that Killer Whales can dive for upto 15 mins at a time upto depths of 250m. Alternative names for this species are: Orca, Great killer whale, Grampus. [click here for images] |
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| Melonhead Whale [Peponocephala electra] Similar to pigmy killer whale but has a more prominent beak and long sharply pointed flippers. Alternative names for this species are: Melonhead whale, Many-toothed blackfish, Little killer whale, Electra dolphin. |
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| False Killer Whale [Pseudorca crassidens] Acrobatic playful whale that readily approaches boats. This species has a unique s-shaped flipper. Alternative names for this species are: False pilot whale, Pseudorca. |
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