However, classification is not an exact science and as more information and discoveries come to light, deliberations will continue and some dolphin species are likely to be further split into more than one species and/or subspecies.
Fewer than 10 vaquitas (a species of porpoise) survive.Ĭurrently there are 49 dolphin and porpoise species which are grouped into six families: the oceanic dolphin family is by far the largest with 38 members the porpoise family has seven members and there are four river dolphin families, each containing just one species. There are less than 50 individuals remaining. Maui's dolphin (a sub-species of the New Zealand dolphin) is the most endangered dolphin.Lifespan varies from around 20 years in the smaller dolphin species to 80 years or more for larger dolphins such as orcas.Dolphins have an array of vocalisations such as clicks, whistles and squeals which they use for their well-developed communication and echolocation skills.The four river dolphin species inhabit the large waterways of Asia and South America.Hector's dolphin and Franciscana are two of the smallest. The orca (killer whale) is the largest dolphin.A Risso's dolphin has 14 while a spinner dolphin can have 240. All dolphins have conical-shaped teeth.They do not chew they food but may break it into smaller pieces before swallowing. Dolphins eat fish, squid and crustaceans.The sons and daughters of resident orcas stay with their maternal family for life.
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