Dolphins are among the most intelligent and charismatic marine mammals , know for their playful behaviour and gymnastic show . With just about 40 specie worldwide , there are many fascinatingtypes of dolphins , each with unequaled feature of speech and adaptation . belong to the families Delphinidae ( pelagic dolphinfish ) , Platanistidae ( Indian river dolphin ) , Iniidae ( New World river dolphins ) , and Pontoporiidae ( brackish dolphins ) , these creatures inhabit ocean and river across the globe .
In this clause , we explore 28 remarkabletypes of dolphins , complete with image and recognition tips to help you agnize these captivating marineanimals .
Different Types of Dolphins
Bottlenose Dolphin
The Bottlenose Dolphin is wide make out for its intelligence and societal behavior . Typically found in coastal and open ocean piss , they can reach lengths of 6 to 13 foot and librate between 330 and 1,430 pound . These dolphins are skilled hunters , feeding primarily on Pisces the Fishes and calamari . They are sleep with for their warm communicating ability and complex job - solving acquirement , which make them one of the most studied marine species .
Although common in nautical parks , Bottlenose Dolphins are list as “ Least Concern ” by conservationists , indicating a stable population . Their prospicient lifespan of 40 to 60 years highlights their resiliency , and their societal nature grant them to thrive in both the wild and in enslavement .
Common Dolphin
The Common Dolphin , also called the Short - Beaked Common Dolphin , is noted for its distinctive chickenhearted - white-haired - black side pattern . Preferring tender , coastal , and open seas , they grow to a length of 6.2 to 8.2 feet and press between 176 and 518 pound . These dolphins primarily feed on squid and small fish such as sardines and anchovy , and they can live up to 40 years .
Their agility and speeding make them exceptional swimmers , often see engaging in acrobatic displays . Despite terror from human activities like fishing and contamination , Common Dolphins maintain a unchanging population and are considered a coinage of “ Least Concern ” in terms of preservation .
Spinner Dolphin
Spinner Dolphins are known for their small size and acrobatic spinning behavior . Measuring between 4 to 7 groundwork long and weighing between 130 and 170 pounds , these dolphins inhabit tropical offshore H2O worldwide . Their diet includes diminished fish , calamary , and occasionally crustaceans , and they typically live 20 to 30 years .
The name “ Spinner Dolphin ” comes from their unique behavior of spinning while leaping out of the water , which is believed to be a manikin of communicating or sponge removal . These dolphinfish gather in large groups , and although they face risks from fishing nets , their universe remains stable with a conservation status of “ Least Concern . ”
Risso’s Dolphin
Risso ’s Dolphin , a large and robust species , is agnise by its protuberant mind and narrow tailstock . These dolphins , which inhabit deep , temperate , and tropic water , typically rove from 8.5 to 13 feet in length and weigh between 660 and 1,100 pounds . They chiefly feed on calamary , fish , and octopus , and they can live for over 35 years .
One of the most interesting features of Risso ’s dolphin is their heavily scarred pelt , which becomes more prominent as they age . These scars ensue from interactions with other dolphin or from their quarry . Despite these sucker , Risso ’s dolphin are not currently endangered , and their conservation status is “ Least Concern . ”
Orca (Killer Whale)
The Orca , also hump as the Killer Whale , is the big member of the dolphin phratry , growing up to 32 feet and weighing as much as 22,000 pounds . find in sea worldwide , Orcas mainly hunt fish , mammalian , and birds . Females can live up to 90 years , while male person have an average life of 60 years .
have sex for their typical black - and - white coloring and complex vocalizations , Orcas have unique dialects within their cod . This ability to communicate sets them aside from other dolphin species . Although their populations are in the main unchanging , their preservation status is list as “ Data Deficient , ” requiring further enquiry on their global status .
Amazon River Dolphin
The Amazon River Dolphin , also known as the Pink River Dolphin , is a freshwater species that inhabit the rivers , lakes , and deluge forests of the Amazon Basin . Known for their trenchant pink coloration , these dolphins can turn between 5 and 8.2 foot and consider up to 408 lb . Their diet lie of fish , turtle , crabs , shrimp , and other crustacean , appropriate them to boom in the various ecosystem of the Amazon .
One of the Amazon River Dolphin ’s unique features is its highly compromising neck , which helps it sail through the complex , cloudy water supply of the oversupply forests . These dolphins also present sexual dimorphism , with males typically being larger and more bright pink than female . Unfortunately , their universe is threaten due to habitat destruction and pollution .
Irrawaddy Dolphin
The Irrawaddy Dolphin is a uncommon and distinctive metal money see in the coastal sphere of Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal . tramp in size from 6.5 to 9.2 metrical unit and weigh up to 440 pounds , they are know for their unique ability to adjust to vary brininess level , a rare trait in the dolphin world . Their diet includes Pisces the Fishes , cephalopods , and crustacean , and they typically live up to 30 years .
These dolphinfish are socially shy , often seen in small groups and forefend human fundamental interaction . However , in some regions , such as the Irrawaddy River , they have been observed assist local fishermen by crowd Pisces into nets , a singular model of interspecies cooperation . Despite their unique behaviors , they front substantial threats from habitat loss , make up them peril .
Hector’s Dolphin
Hector ’s Dolphin is a belittled , indigenous species establish only in the coastal waters of New Zealand . These dolphin have unequaled black facial markings and unforesightful , heavyset bodies , with a dorsal tailfin resembling Mickey Mouse spike . They measure between 4 and 5.25 foot and weigh between 88 and 132 dog pound , making them one of the smallest dolphin species .
Known for their playful nature , Hector ’s mahimahi primarily flow on Pisces , cephalopod mollusk , and crustacean . Due to their limited habitat range , their preservation is full of life for preserving New Zealand ’s marine ecosystem . Unfortunately , Hector ’s Dolphins are listed as endangered , facing threats from human activity , including fishing and home ground degradation .
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
The Atlantic Spotted Dolphin is a intermediate - sized mahimahi species that can be found in the warm , temperate , and tropic waters of the Atlantic Ocean . They range from 5 to 7.5 foot in length and weigh between 220 and 315 Syrian pound . These dolphins are screw for their distinctive spot patterns , which develop as they age , starting with a dismal gray color in younger dolphins .
Atlantic Spotted Dolphins primarily fertilize on bottom - dwelling invertebrates , squid , and fish . They are highly societal and playful fauna , often seen in heavy seedcase . Despite face potential threats from sportfishing nets and environmental changes , their population is relatively stable , and their conservation status is name as “ Least Concern . ”
Pantropical Spotted Dolphin
The Pantropical Spotted Dolphin is wide distributed across the world ’s tropical and temperate oceans , typically growing between 6 and 7 feet in length and weighing up to 250 pounds . These dolphins are recognized by their flowing trunk and characteristic musca volitans , which become more marked with age . They in the main flow on modest fish , squids , and crustaceans .
One interesting fact about Pantropical Spotted Dolphins is their close tie-up with yellowfin tuna , particularly in the eastern tropical Pacific . Unfortunately , this head to significant by-catch in tunny fisheries , which has historically affected their population . However , their conservation status is currently listed as “ Least business organisation , ” indicate that their universe has stabilized .
Striped Dolphin
The Striped Dolphin is a outstanding species known for its typical blue and white stripes incline from its center to its fin . These dolphins are find in temperate and tropic waters across all the world ’s ocean . They are medium - sized , growing between 7.9 and 8.5 feet long and weigh between 330 and 352 pounds .
In gain to their unequalled markings , Striped mahimahi are famous for their high - speed swimming and acrobatic displays , often take care leap and spinning through the air . They chiefly run on fish and squid and can live up to 60 old age . Despite their focal ratio and agility , they are listed as “ Least worry ” for conservation , with stable universe levels .
Rough-Toothed Dolphin
The Rough - Toothed Dolphin is a unique specie with a conical fountainhead , slender nose , and distinctive rough teeth . These dolphins are typically found in tropical to warm - temperate pelagic waters , especially in deeper regions . They measure between 7 and 9.3 feet in length and press between 198 and 341 pound .
Rough - Toothed Dolphins have a varied diet , include large fish , squids , octopuses , and houndfish . Their rough teeth allow them to grip slippery target , a feature article not found in many other dolphins . Their specialised feeding proficiency make them support out , and they are view “ Least fear ” for conservation due to their wide dispersion and unchanging population .
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
The Pacific White - Sided Dolphin is a beautiful species known for its distinct three - colour pattern . They are found in the temperate waters of the northerly Pacific Ocean , with males reaching up to 8 human foot and female slightly smaller at 7.5 feet . They press between 300 and 400 pounds .
These dolphin are highly social and often form heavy groups , swimming together and displaying acrobatic behaviour , such as leaping near boats . Their diet consists of calamary and modest school fish . Pacific White - Sided Dolphins can dwell up to 40 years , and their hard societal bonds and worry behaviors make them unique . They are presently classified as “ Least care . ”
Commerson’s Dolphin
Commerson ’s Dolphin , known for its strikingblack and white color pattern , is often called the “ skunk dolphinfish ” or “ bear cat dolphin . ” These small dolphins are find in the coastal waters of the southwest Atlantic , particularly around Patagonia and the Falkland Islands . They measure between 3.9 and 5.6 foot and weigh between 77 and 132 pounds .
Their dieting consists in the main of fish , squid , and marine invertebrate . They are highly social , often discover in modest pods of 2 to 3 dolphinfish , and have complex communication systems . Their bluff black - and - white pattern is believed to help them betoken each other or blend into their surroundings . Commerson ’s Dolphins are considered “ Least worry ” for preservation .
Dusky Dolphin
The Dusky Dolphin is a typical species known for its bluish - lightlessness back and tail , contrasting with its clean undersurface . They have a short neb , flesh out dorsal flipper , and are chiefly found in the coastal waters of the Southern Hemisphere . female grow to about 5.5 to 5.8 foot , and Male are more or less smaller , measuring 5.4 to 5.7 foot . They count between 152 and 172 pounding for female person and 154 to 187 pounds for males .
These dolphins primarily feed in on small fish and squid . They are known for their playful nature and athletic science , often seen swim in energetic groups . Dusky mahimahi have a comparatively scant lifespan of 18 to 25 years , and their universe is stable , classifying them as “ Least fear . ”
Australian Snubfin Dolphin
The Australian Snubfin Dolphin , distinguished by its rounded head and absence seizure of a bill , is a remarkable specie establish in the shallow coastal waters of northern Australia and Papua New Guinea . These dolphin measure between 6.6 and 7.9 understructure in duration and weigh between 251 and 293 pounds . They primarily feed on little Pisces the Fishes , cephalopods , and runt and can live up to 30 eld .
One of the most unique feature of this metal money is its distinct neck opening crease , a characteristic uncommon in other dolphin . Unfortunately , due to menace like habitat loss and entanglement in fishing gear , the Australian Snubfin Dolphin is listed as “ Vulnerable . ”
White-Beaked Dolphin
The White - Beaked Dolphin is a beautiful species found in the cold water of the North Atlantic , include a alone population in the English Channel . They have a stout snoot and a turgid dorsal fin , which make up about 15 % of their consistency duration . Their soundbox color is primarily dark grey or black with ashen patches , make them easily recognizable .
They grow to a size of 7.6 to 10.2 foot and weigh between 397 and 780 pounds . These dolphins feed in on fish , crustaceans , and cephalopods and can hold out up to 40 years . know for their playful nature and gymnastic ability , the White - Beaked Dolphin is classified as “ Least headache ” for conservation .
Atlantic Humpback Dolphin
The Atlantic Humpback Dolphin is hump for its typical excrescence in front of the dorsal fin . These mahimahi , which inhabit the coastal waters of West Africa , measure between 5.9 and 8.5 feet and weigh between 220 and 330 pound . Their dieting primarily consist of mullet and other fish species .
A unequalled aspect of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin is its collaboration with Mauritian Imraguen fishermen . The dolphins help herd fish into the fisherman ’s cyberspace , a captivating example of human - wildlife cooperation . Unfortunately , due to habitat degradation and fishing threats , the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin is classified as “ Critically Endangered . ”
Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin
The Indo - Pacific Humpback Dolphin , also know as the Chinese White Dolphin , is regain in warm , shallow waters above 59 ° F ( 15 ° ampere-second ) . They can grow up to 11.5 feet in distance and consider between 440 and 660 pounds . Their diet consists mainly of mullet and other Pisces species .
These dolphin are famous for their color - change process , where their grey hue step by step turns into a striking pinkish - ashen as they senesce . With a lifespan of around 40 years , these mahimahi are known for their friendly nature and are often seen approach humans . However , they are at jeopardy due to habitat destruction and pollution , make them “ Vulnerable ” in conservation condition .
Peale’s Dolphin
Peale ’s Dolphin , see in the coastal waters near Tierra del Fuego in southerly South America , is characterise by its coloured grey font , chin , and preponderantly fateful back with an off - white stripe . These dolphins measure about 6.9 understructure in distance and consider close to 253 Sudanese pound .
Known for their social behavior , Peale ’s Dolphins often constitute small , nigh - knit group and are seen leap and surfing near shoreline . They also utilise sophisticated group feeding strategies , such as forming circle or lines around their prey . Interestingly , Peale ’s Dolphins do not whistle , setting them apart from many other mahimahi specie . They are consider to be of “ Least Concern ” for conservation .
Northern Right Whale Dolphin
The Northern Right Whale Dolphin is a sleek and unique metal money found in the northern Pacific Ocean , ranging from California and Alaska to Japan . These mahimahi measure between 6.6 and 9.8 invertebrate foot in length and weigh between 132 and 253 dog pound . Notably , they miss a dorsal fin , which distinguishes them from many other mahimahi metal money . They also have a short , well - defined snoot and small-scale , pointed flippers and tail flukes .
Northern Right Whale Dolphins are known for forming assorted - metal money grouping , often swim alongside other dolphinfish species . Their social deportment are unusual for maritime mammals . This coinage is classified as “ Least business ” due to its relatively stable universe .
Southern Right Whale Dolphin
The Southern Right Whale Dolphin is notice near the Sub - Antarctic Polar Front and around the Chatham and Falkland Islands . These dolphinfish are small and slender , with a length between 6.5 and 9.8 feet and a weight of 130 to 200 punt . They partake the same lack of a dorsal V as their northern counterpart , giving them a sleek and streamlined appearance .
One of the most interesting look of the Southern Right Whale Dolphin is its cutis color variations . Some individuals are totally lily-white or black , which is rarefied among dolphins . They are known for being playful and are often see near boats . In 1998 , a special hybrid dolphin was spot , showcasing the possibility of a course occurring intermixture between the Southern Right Whale Dolphin and a Dusky Dolphin . Their conservation status is “ Least fear . ”
Hourglass Dolphin
The Hourglass Dolphin is know for the distinctive hourglass pattern on its sides , which breathe in its scientific name , Lagenorhynchus cruciger . These dolphins are small , measuring 5.25 to 5.9 feet in length and weighing between 198 and 265 pounds . They live in the moth-eaten weewee of the Antarctic and sub - Antarctic regions , and their diet principally consist of little Pisces the Fishes , squid , and crustaceans .
The Hourglass Dolphin is one of the few little dolphinfish institute in the extremely stale amniotic fluid south of the Antarctic Convergence . They can live up to 46 years and are often seen leaping and swimming in front of ships and whales . Despite the harsh environment , they fly high and persist classified as “ Least Concern ” for conservation .
Tucuxi
The Tucuxi is a small dolphinfish mintage that populate the rivers of the Amazon Basin . They are sleep together for their soft gamy and gray coloration , with lighter shades of bone , gray , or pink on their bellies . The Tucuxi has a low , triangular dorsal fin and is genetically more tight related to to marine dolphins than to other river dolphin .
Tucuxis are an interesting evolutionary puzzle , as they only start entering freshwater rivers in South America a few hundred thousand years ago . This is comparatively recent compare to other river dolphin species , which have been in these waters for much longer . This unique adaptation is part of their evolutionary history . They are classified as “ Endangered . ”
Guiana Dolphin
The Guiana Dolphin , found along the Atlantic coast of South and Central America , is be intimate for its easy bluish - grey back and pallid grey belly . They have a slightly hooked , triangular dorsal fin and a moderate - duration bill . Females can raise up to 7.2 foundation , while males reach about 6.2 foundation and weigh up to 267 lb .
Guiana Dolphins are famous for their use of “ signature tune whistles , ” similar to human names , to communicate with one another . This was discovered in a 2014 bailiwick where researchers recorded over 800 whistles . These mahimahi use the sounds to identify and communicate with individuals , showing their complex social structure . They are currently classified as “ Near Threatened . ”
