What is the difference between whales, dolphins, porpoises, and “dolphin” on a restaurant menu?
These terms can be confusing. Dolphins, whales, and porpoises are together known as cetaceans. Cetaceans are air-breathing mammals that have adapted from a terrestrial existence to life in the sea. Whales tend to be larger than dolphins, but this is not always the case with some species. The term “porpoise” is sometimes heard in Florida referring to dolphins. However, true porpoises do not live in our area. Technically, porpoises have different shaped teeth and dorsal fins than dolphins. “Dolphin” offered on restaurant menus is a fish not a marine mammal and is better known as mahi mahi. At the Dolphin and Whale Hospital, we treat cetaceans.
These terms can be confusing. Dolphins, whales, and porpoises are together known as cetaceans. Cetaceans are air-breathing mammals that have adapted from a terrestrial existence to life in the sea. Whales tend to be larger than dolphins, but this is not always the case with some species. The term “porpoise” is sometimes heard in Florida referring to dolphins. However, true porpoises do not live in our area. Technically, porpoises have different shaped teeth and dorsal fins than dolphins. “Dolphin” offered on restaurant menus is a fish – not a marine mammal – and is better known as mahi mahi. At the Dolphin and Whale Hospital, we treat cetaceans.
