How many species of whales are there in the world?
There are currently 79 recognized species of cetaceans in the oceans, seas and rivers of the world. These species are divided into two main groups: toothed whales (Odonocetes) who possess teeth, and baleen whales (Mysticetes) who are filter feeders. Amazingly it is very likely that there are still more species of whales to be discovered. We know of at least one species of Mesplodon – a beaked whale that is known only from sightings at sea. As no specimen has ever been studied, the animal is yet to be classified and remains an unidentified species.
