Species: there are 10 species of dolphins worldwide.

Bottlenose dolphin - this species is usually found all around the world in temperate and tropical waters. They are usually found in coastal areas, but can also be in mid ocean. Bottlenose dolphins are the most known species of dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins can be 2-4m long, depending on where they are found.  

Dusky dolphin - this species is found in the southern hemisphere and usually temperate waters. They use their bodies to herd fish. To herd fish they use a variety of leaps and water slaps. This species of dolphins is not very large. In fact, the maximum length is 2.1m.

Steno (rough-toothed) dolphin - the Steno dolphins are found in tropical and subtropical areas. However they usually found in deep waters. They can be 2.1-2.65m in length.

Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphin - this species is usually found in the Indian and Pacific oceans. They prefer shallow waters of 20m in depth.

Common dolphin - this species of dolphins is found all around the world in tropical and temperate waters. Common dolphins are one of the most abundant species of dolphins in the world. A male common dolphin can grow up to 2.6m long and a female can grow up to 2.4m long.

Spinner dolphin -  the Spinner dolphins are found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. An adult Spinner dolphin can grow up to 2m in length. During the day these dolphins relax and tend to eat at night in deep waters.

Pilot dolphin -  there are two species of Pilot dolphins, Long-fin and Short-fin. Long-fin dolphins are found worldwide, but mostly in temperate and subantarctic waters while the Short-fin dolphins are found in tropical and subtropical waters. Long-fin dolphins can grow from 5.5-6m in length, although some can grow up to 7m long. Females are smaller and are usually less than 5m long. The average live span of Pilot dolphins is 30-50 years.

Orcas - this species of dolphins is the largest of all. Baby Orcas are about 2.4m long. Adult females grow up to 8.2m and males 9.4m in length. This species is found in oceans all around the world. Orcas eat seabirds, turtles, fish, sharks, whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions

Spotted dolphin -  Spotted dolphins are found in cold waters, mostly in tropical and subtropical oceans. Spotted dolphins are about 80cm when they are born. An adult can grow up to 2.5 meters long. Males are usually longer and heavier than females.

Pink dolphin - click here for information on Pink Dolphins.

For more information on these species of dolphins, click here.