What is the difference between dolphins and porpoises?
Dolphins and porpoises belong to different whale families. The most obvious differences are: – dolphins have a falcate (hook-shaped) dorsal fin, whereas porpoises have a triangular dorsal fin. – dolphins have conical teeth; the teeth of of porpoises are spatula shaped. – most dolphin species have a distinct beak. Porpoises don’t, giving their head a more rounded, blunt shape.
Although dolphins and porpoises belong to the same whale family, there are differences between them. The most obvious differences are: • Porpoises have spade-shaped teeth, whereas dolphins have conical teeth. • Porpoises have a rounded, blunt-shaped head, whereas most dolphin species have a distinct beak or rostrum. • Porpoises though generally smaller in size, tend to have a robust, broader and fuller body, whereas dolphins tend to have a longer, streamlined shape. • Porpoises have a triangular dorsal fin, whereas dolphins have a falcate (hook-shaped) dorsal fin.
