Dolphin how many species

Although you would likely be able to recognize all living species as dolphins, each does have its own unique features that set it apart from each other. To illustrate, here's a list of 10 interesting dolphin species and some of their distinguishing characteristics with a more detailed dolphin species list at the bottom. Perhaps the most well-known and well-studied dolphin species in the world, the bottlenose dolphin is likely what comes to mind when you hear the world "dolphin.

Characterized by dark gray skin and its namesake short and thick snout, bottlenose dolphins can be found in tropical and temperate waters in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as well as, the Mediterranean Sea.

Also known as the boto or bufeo dolphin, the Amazon River dolphin's most unusual physical characteristic is its skin: as Amazon River dolphins mature, their skin turns from gray to pink.

Beyond their pink color, this species is unique for its habitat as it is one of the few to call a fresh-water river home. Here is a great video by Sony showcasing Amazon River Dolphins:. Another fresh-water dolphin, the Ganges River dolphin can be found in its namesake river on the Indian subcontinent.

This species' peculiar style of swimming on its side allows it to trail its flipper on the river's bottom, assisting it in finding food. The unique black-and-white pattern of the Commerson's dolphin is the reason for its several nicknames: skunk dolphin, panda dolphin and piebald dolphin.

Found off the coast of Argentina and in the southern Indian Ocean, the Commerson's dolphin is usually found by itself or in a small group, but tends to hunt cooperatively. Nicknamed the Monk dolphin by Taiwanese fisherman, the Risso's dolphin exhibits a unique preference for deep water habitats. Calves are especially at stake.

Some of the larger dolphinic species may prey on smaller dolphins, however this is rare. Some dolphin species are considerably threatened and face an uncertain future, as are the Amazon or Ganges river dolphins.

Pollutants that do not disintegrate rapidly in the environment are important threats to the species and so are the injuries or deaths caused by collisions with boats. There are a number of fishing methods that kill many dolphins unintentionally.

Accidental by-catch in gill nets and incidental captures in antipredator nets that protect marine fish farms pose an important threat to local dolphin populations. In some countries dolphin meat is traditionally considered as food and consequently increases the number of dolphins being hunted for this purpose. Dolphin safe labels, an initiative, which dates back to the s, ensures that consumer fish and other marine products have been caught in a dolphin-friendly way.

Lastly , loud underwater noises, such as those resulting from naval sonar use or from certain offshore construction projects, such as wind farms may prove harmful to the dolphins, increasing their stress and damaging their hearing. Save Your Logo. Facebook Twitter. You're here: Home » Programs » Dolphin. Dolphin Dolphins are marine mammals, which are closely related to whales and porpoises.

Common dolphin 2. Bottlenose dolphin 3. Spotted Dolphin 4. Dusky Dolphin 6. Killer Whales, also known as Orcas 7. Suborder Odontoceti, toothed whales a.

Bottlenose Dolphin Vaquita in Mexico. Orcas, or killer whales, are the largest of all oceanic dolphin species. Orcas exhibit startling intelligence, culture and family-based social structures. Studies indicate that there are at least 10 different orca eco-types with different diets, dialects, geographical range and social structure. Learn more about orcas here. Dolphins are long-lived and slow to reproduce.

Many species live to be over 40 years old. Some well-documented individuals have been known to live significantly longer; an orca named Granny J2 from the Southern Resident killer whale population lived to be over some believe that may have even been over years old! The entertainment industry profits from twisting a beautiful and sentient species into a parody of itself.

After performances, or swim-with-dolphins programs, most captive dolphins languish in their cages or tanks and wait until the next show, or next feeding. Thanks to continued activism, several countries have banned the capture and captive display of cetaceans.

A number of dolphins and whales are held captive in marine parks and aquariums all over the world. See our species guide for some of the most commonly exploited dolphins! Learn more about dolphin captivity and threats to wild dolphins associated with the captivity trade and help spread the word!

Join the pod and take the pledge to NOT buy a ticket to dolphins captive facilities! Sign petitions, contact authorities and take action to help protect dolphins all over the world. Explore giving options to help support our mission to protect dolphins from exploitation and slaughter.