Differences of Dolphins and Porpoises

Dolphins are renowned for their uncanny ability to impress and wow the minds of countless many, their great thinking skills, and intelligent behavior are hypnotic to the common folk, who have never beheld them, and even more interesting is the great varying types of dolphins there are, almost 40 astounding variations of this majestic creature, ranging from the Hectors dolphin, and the short finned pilot, to the spinner dolphin and the white beak dolphins. Most dolphins inhabit salt water and there are only 5 species of dolphins that are known to naturally inhabit freshwater, the Amazon River dolphin, the Chinese River dolphin, the Ganges River dolphin, the Franciscan dolphin and the Indus River dolphin. As you have probably noticed, the name of the species of these dolphins is related to the waterway that represents their habitat. On the other hand Six types of porpoises currently reside in the world's oceans all belonging to the family Phocoenidae. They include, Burmeister's Porpoise, Dall's Porpoise, the Finless Porpoise, the Harbour Porpoise, the Spectacled Porpoise and the rare Vaquita.

The name Dolphin comes from the Greek word, delphus, which can therefore be interpreted as meaning "a 'fish' with a womb". Dolphins are among the most intelligent animals, and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in human culture. Play is an important part of dolphin culture. Dolphins play with seaweed and play-fight with other dolphins. At times they harass other local creatures, like seabirds and turtles. Dolphins enjoy riding waves and frequently surf coastal swells and the bow waves of boats, at times “leaping” between the dual bow waves of a moving catamaran. Occasionally, they playfully interact with swimmers. Captive dolphins have been observed in aquariums engaging in complex play behavior which involves the creation and manipulation of bubble rings.

Another difference between these two similar creatures is their lengths. Dolphins have an extremely wide range of lengths and widths, anywhere from 1.2 meters (4 ft) and 40 kilograms 88 pounds up to 9.5 meters (30 ft) and ten tons, referring to the killer whale. While the stubbly porpoise’s average length is just over 5 ft (1.5m) while females are slightly larger with average lengths of 5.5 ft (1.7m). The average adult harbor porpoise weighs between 135 and 170 lbs (61-77 kg). Now the important fact to take from all of this is that the porpoise does not generally exceed or minimize below these figures, while the dolphins can in rare cases exceed these numbers, in essence they are a lot more unpredictable in their sizes than the porpoise.

Porpoises

Since Porpoises are the smallest cetaceans and because of their small size, porpoises lose body heat to the water more rapidly than other cetaceans. Their stout shape, which minimizes surface area, may be an adaptation to reduce heat loss. Thick blubber also insulates them from the cold. The small size of porpoises requires them to eat frequently, rather than depending on fat reserves. Porpoises are fast swimmers—Dall's porpoise is said to be one of the fastest cetaceans, with a speed of 55 km/h (34 mph). Porpoises tend to be less acrobatic and more wary than dolphins. Porpoises are rarely held in captivity in zoos or oceanaria, as they are generally not as capable of adapting to tank life or swimming with the dolphins programs as easily trained as dolphins.

Finally the most visible and easily spotted difference between these two mammals, their physical make up, the dolphins posses conical teeth and shorter beaks, while the porpoises generally tend to have flattened, spade shape teeth. The name porpoise in actuality was named from medieval times, porcopiscus (porcus pig + piscus fish). As per the name they gave them the name pigfish due to their somewhat noticeable characteristics.

All in all these animals may have some key differences, such as their size, varying types and aesthetic differences, but regardless of this they share the common ability to amaze and enthrall countless millions who are dazzled by their amazing intellect and unique characteristics, they are truly creatures blessed by the divine touch.