Oceanic dolphins are the members of the Delphinidae family of cetaceans. These aquatic mammals are related to whales and porpoises.
As the name implies, these dolphins tend to be found in the open seas, unlike the river dolphins, although a few species such as the Irrawaddy Dolphin are coastal or riverine.
Six of the larger species in the Delphinidae, the Orca and its relatives, are commonly called whales, rather than dolphins. They are also sometimes collectively known as "blackfish".
The Delphinidae vary in size from 1.2 metres and 40 kg (Heaviside's Dolphin), up to 7 metres and 4.5 tonnes (the Orca). Most species weigh between about 50 and about 200 kg. They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and all are carnivores, mostly taking fish and squid.
Oceanic dolphins are the members of the Delphinidae family of cetaceans.
As the name implies, these dolphins tend to be found in the open seas, unlike the river dolphins, although a few species such as the Irrawaddy Dolphin are coastal or riverine.
Six of the larger species in the Delphinidae, the Orca and its relatives, are commonly called whales, rather than dolphins.
Orcas and some related species belong to the Delphinidae family and therefore qualify as dolphins, even though they are called whales in common language.
The family Delphinidae is the largest in the Cetacea, and relatively recent: dolphins evolved about 10 million years ago, during the Miocene.
Six animals in the family Delphinidae are commonly called "whales" but are strictly speaking dolphins.
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