Cetaceans | Cetacea

Cetaceans | Cetacea

Description
Description

Cetaceans encompass a diverse group of aquatic mammals including whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Evolving from four-legged land ancestors around 50 million years ago, these creatures adapted to marine life with streamlined bodies, modified limbs into flippers, and blowholes for breathing. Cetaceans inhabit all of the world's oceans, from the shallowest coastal areas to the deepest oceanic trenches. They are highly intelligent, with complex social structures and communication methods. Cetaceans play crucial roles in marine ecosystems as predators and indicators of ocean health. Their evolution showcases nature's remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Cetaceans have streamlined bodies adapted for aquatic life. Their forelimbs have evolved into flippers for steering, while their hind limbs are vestigial, hidden within their bodies. They move by undulating their powerful tails, which have horizontal flukes. Cetaceans breathe through blowholes on top of their heads, enabling quick breaths at the surface. They have keen hearing, essential for echolocation — a biological sonar used for navigation and hunting. Cetaceans also have complex vocalizations, varying from the songs of whales to the clicks of dolphins, crucial for communication and social interactions in the marine world.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans and cetaceans have a rich, multifaceted history. In ancient times, cetaceans were revered in various cultures, often depicted in mythology and art. The whaling industry, which sought cetaceans for oil and meat, once threatened their existence, leading to the near-extinction of some species. In modern times, cetaceans have become beloved icons of marine life. Characters like Moby Dick in literature and Flipper in television have captivated audiences, fostering a sense of wonder and empathy.

Conservation efforts, such as the International Whaling Commission's moratorium on commercial whaling, have been pivotal in protecting these magnificent creatures, highlighting the ongoing shift towards preservation and coexistence.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What are the three groups of organisms that are considered cetaceans?

The 3 groups of organisms that are considered cetaceans are whales, dolphins and porpoises. The 3 groups are made of 89 species in total. The cetacean order is further divided into 2 groups: toothed whales (odontocetes) that includes over 73 species and baleen whales (mysticetes) that is made up of 11 species.

What do cetaceans eat?

All species of cetaceans are carnivores. A cetaceans’ diet depends on the species, but most cetaceans feed on mostly fish, and marine invertebrates. Some like the killer whale, feed on large mammals and birds like penguins or seals. Baleen whales usually eat mollusks, copepods, krill, small fish, and squid.

Where do cetaceans live?

Cetaceans can be found in all climates and all oceans of the world ranging from the coldest waters to tropical waters. Some species live only in specific areas, like the southern right whale dolphin and hourglass dolphin that only inhabit the Antarctic Ocean. Some species of whales migrate between seasonal habitats like the gray whale.

Animals

* Under Development *

14”-19” | 37-48 cm
22”-29” | 56-74 cm
6.5’-8.5’ | 1.98-2.59 m
331-408 lb | 150-185 kg
25-30 years
Amazon River Dolphin
48.000
74.000
259.000
185.000
30.00
32200
GUIDE
3D
Amazon River Dolphin
Baiji
19800
11”-20” | 27-52 cm
13”-24” | 32-61 cm
4.5’-8.5’ | 1.37-2.59 m
287-375 lb | 130-170 kg
24-30 years
Baiji
52.000
61.000
259.000
170.000
30.00
19800
GUIDE
3D
Baiji
2’8”-4’2” | 81-127 cm
35”-54” | 89-138 cm
13’-20’ | 4-6.1 m
2,000-3,000 lb | 910-1,360 kg
35-50 years
Beluga Whale
127.000
138.000
610.000
1360.000
50.00
224000
GUIDE
3D
Beluga Whale
13’-16’ | 3.96-4.88 m
25.3’-31.8’ | 7.7-9.7 m
82’-105’ | 25-32 m
55-165 tons | 50-150 metric tons
80-90 years
Blue Whale
488.000
970.000
3200.000
150000.000
90.00
182000
GUIDE
3D
Blue Whale
8.9’-12.1’ | 2.7-3.7 m
14.1’-19.4’ | 4.3-5.9 m
45’-60’ | 13.7-18.3 m
75-100 tons | 68-91 metric tons
150-200 years
Bowhead Whale
370.000
590.000
1830.000
90718.000
200.00
66900
GUIDE
3D
Bowhead Whale
6.6’-7.9’ | 2-2.4 m
10.5’-13.1’ | 3.2-4 m
45’-55’ | 13.7-16.8 m
17-25 tons | 15-23 metric tons
50-70 years
Bryde’s Whale
240.000
400.000
1680.000
22679.000
70.00
1100
GUIDE
3D
Bryde’s Whale
2’1”-2’11” | 64-89 cm
33”-47” | 83-119 cm
10’-14’ | 3.1-4.3 m
300-1,400 lb | 136-625 kg
20-30 years
Common Bottlenose Dolphin
89.000
119.000
430.000
625.000
30.00
13000
GUIDE
3D
Common Bottlenose Dolphin
14”-20” | 36-50 cm
16”-22” | 40-55 cm
6.17’-8.5’ | 1.88-2.59 m
220-298 lb | 100-135 kg
25-40 years
Common Dolphin
50.000
55.000
259.000
135.000
40.00
7300
GUIDE
3D
Common Dolphin
4.3’-5.9’ | 1.3-1.8 m
6.6’-9.2’ | 2-2.8 m
26’-35’ | 7.9-10.7 m
6-10 tons | 5-9 metric tons
40-50 years
Common Minke Whale
180.000
280.000
1070.000
9072.000
50.00
2900
GUIDE
3D
Common Minke Whale
18”-25” | 47-63 cm
14”-18.5” | 35-47 cm
5.92’-8’ | 1.8-2.44 m
265-353 lb | 120-160 kg
15-20 years
Dall's Porpoise
63.000
47.000
244.000
160.000
20.00
4450
GUIDE
3D
Dall's Porpoise
17”-23” | 43-59 cm
19”-26” | 49-66 cm
6.58’-8.83’ | 2-2.69 m
463-595 lb | 210-270 kg
15-22 years
Dwarf Sperm Whale
59.000
66.000
269.000
270.000
22.00
10500
GUIDE
3D
Dwarf Sperm Whale
29”-38” | 75-96 cm
46”-57” | 116-146 cm
16’-20’ | 4.88-6.1 m
2,645-4,850 lb | 1,200-2,200 kg
55-63 years
False Killer Whale
96.000
146.000
610.000
2200.000
63.00
38100
GUIDE
3D
False Killer Whale
9.5’-11.5’ | 2.9-3.5 m
15.4’-18.4’ | 4.7-5.6 m
75’-90’ | 22.9-27.4 m
74-114 tons | 67-103 metric tons
80-100 years
Fin Whale
350.000
560.000
2740.000
103419.000
100.00
35800
GUIDE
3D
Fin Whale
14”-17” | 36-43 cm
21”-25” | 54-64 cm
6.25’-7.5’ | 1.91-2.29 m
66-159 lb | 30-72 kg
10-20 years
Finless Porpoise
43.000
64.000
229.000
72.000
20.00
4610
GUIDE
3D
Finless Porpoise
6.9’-8.5’ | 2.1-2.6 m
10.2’-11.5’ | 3.1-3.5 m
40’-50’ | 12.2-15.2 m
30-41 tons | 27-37 metric tons
55-80 years
Gray Whale
260.000
350.000
1520.000
37195.000
80.00
22300
GUIDE
3D
Gray Whale
14”-16” | 35-41 cm
11”-13” | 29-34 cm
5’-6’ | 1.52-1.83 m
99-198 lb | 45-90 kg
8-20 years
Harbour Porpoise
41.000
34.000
183.000
90.000
20.00
6700
GUIDE
3D
Harbour Porpoise
8’-9’8” | 2.44-2.97 m
12.1’-14.8’ | 3.7-4.5 m
43’-52’ | 13-16 m
27.5-33 tons | 25-30 metric tons
45-100 years
Humpback Whale
297.000
450.000
1600.000
30000.000
100.00
63200
GUIDE
3D
Humpback Whale
16”-19” | 42-49 cm
19”-22” | 48-56 cm
7’-8.17’ | 2.13-2.49 m
154-243 lb | 70-110 kg
18-26 years
Indus River Dolphin
49.000
56.000
249.000
110.000
26.00
4500
GUIDE
3D
Indus River Dolphin
14”-21” | 36-54 cm
15”-23” | 39-59 cm
5.92’-9’ | 1.8-2.74 m
198-441 lb | 90-200 kg
15-30 years
Irrawaddy Dolphin
54.000
59.000
274.000
200.000
30.00
23400
GUIDE
3D
Irrawaddy Dolphin
12”-20” | 30-50 cm
15”-25” | 39-63 cm
5.5’-9’ | 1.68-2.74 m
397-606 lb | 180-275 kg
20-30 years
Melon-Headed Whale
50.000
63.000
274.000
275.000
30.00
2700
GUIDE
3D
Melon-Headed Whale
Narwhal
505800
23”-36” | 58-92 cm
25”-39” | 63-99 cm
11.5’-18’ | 3.5-5.49 m
1,764-3,527 lb | 800-1,600 kg
35-55 years
Narwhal
92.000
99.000
549.000
1600.000
55.00
505800
GUIDE
3D
Narwhal
9.2’-11.1’ | 2.8-3.4 m
14.8’-18’ | 4.5-5.5 m
43’-52’ | 13.1-15.8 m
44-75 tons | 40-68 metric tons
50-70 years
North Atlantic Right Whale
340.000
550.000
1580.000
68039.000
70.00
11000
GUIDE
3D
North Atlantic Right Whale
11.5’-15.1’ | 3.5-4.6 m
17.1’-23’ | 5.2-7 m
49’-65’ | 14.9-19.8 m
80-100 tons | 73-91 metric tons
50-70 years
North Pacific Right Whale
460.000
700.000
1980.000
90718.000
70.00
3500
GUIDE
3D
North Pacific Right Whale
5’3”-7’6” | 1.60-2.29 m
5.8’-8’ | 1.76-2.45 m
23’-32’ | 7.01-9.75 m
1.5-6 tons | 1.3-5.4 metric tons
30-50 years (wild); 60-70 years (captivity)
Orca | Killer Whale
229.000
245.000
975.000
5400.000
70.00
818000
GUIDE
3D
Orca | Killer Whale
13”-19” | 33-49 cm
16”-23” | 40-59 cm
5.5’-8.17’ | 1.68-2.49 m
298-441 lb | 135-200 kg
35-46 years
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
49.000
59.000
249.000
200.000
46.00
3200
GUIDE
3D
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin
2.7’-3.6’ | .83-1.09 m
4.3’-5.6’ | 1.3-1.7 m
16’-21’ | 4.9-6.4 m
3-4 tons | 2.7-3.6 metric tons
20-40 years
Pygmy Right Whale
109.000
170.000
640.000
3629.000
40.00
1300
GUIDE
3D
Pygmy Right Whale
22”-25” | 56-65 cm
22”-24” | 56-62 cm
10’-11.5’ | 3.05-3.5 m
683-992 lb | 310-450 kg
17-23 years
Pygmy Sperm Whale
65.000
62.000
350.000
450.000
23.00
6250
GUIDE
3D
Pygmy Sperm Whale
5.9’-8.9’ | 1.8-2.7 m
11.2’-16.1’ | 3.4-4.9 m
45’-65’ | 13.7-19.8 m
18-30 tons | 16-27 metric tons
50-75 years
Sei Whale
270.000
490.000
1980.000
27215.000
75.00
14700
GUIDE
3D
Sei Whale
10.5’-12.8’ | 3.2-3.9 m
17.4’-21.7’ | 5.3-6.6 m
50’-60’ | 15.2-18.3 m
47-90 tons | 43-82 metric tons
60-80 years
Southern Right Whale
390.000
660.000
1830.000
81647.000
80.00
10150
GUIDE
3D
Southern Right Whale
6’9”-11’ | 2.06-3.35 m
10.5’-16’ | 3.21-4.88 m
39’-62’ | 12-19 m
38.5-65 tons | 35-59 metric tons
60-70 years
Sperm Whale
335.000
488.000
1900.000
59000.000
70.00
268000
GUIDE
3D
Sperm Whale
13”-16” | 34-41 cm
16”-19” | 41-49 cm
6.5’-7.75’ | 1.98-2.36 m
51-174 lb | 23-79 kg
20-25 years
Spinner Dolphin
41.000
49.000
236.000
79.000
25.00
9350
GUIDE
3D
Spinner Dolphin
16”-18” | 41-47 cm
20”-23” | 51-59 cm
7.17’-8.5’ | 2.19-2.59 m
198-331 lb | 90-150 kg
45-58 years
Striped Dolphin
47.000
59.000
259.000
150.000
58.00
7800
GUIDE
3D
Striped Dolphin
Vaquita
186000
12”-14” | 30-36 cm
12”-15” | 30-37 cm
4’-5’ | 1.2-1.5 m
100-110 lb | 45-50 kg
20 years (average)
Vaquita
36.000
37.000
150.000
50.000
20.00
186000
GUIDE
3D
Vaquita
Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
Dimensioned size comparison diagram of a Beluga Whale with a scuba diver for scale

Beluga Whales are a species of whale known for their white color and vocal characteristics. Also known as the “sea canaries”, Beluga Whales are born grey and don’t get their whole color until 7-8 years. Beluga Whales are known for living in their arctic environment and weaving around icebergs from their keen hearing. Their live expectancy is on average 30 years, but they can live twice that if they aren’t hunted by polar bears or humans. Beluga whales are one of the most social animals in the sea and are often in groups (pods) whenever they travel.

The typical Beluga Whale has an overall height of 2’8”-4’2” (81-127 cm) and body length of 13’-20’ (4-6.1 m). An average Beluga Whale weighs between 2,000-3,000 lb (910-1,360 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 35-50 years.

Drawings of a Beluga Whale viewed from the front, top, and bottom elevations
Beluga Whales are a species of whale known for their white color and vocal characteristics. Also known as the “sea canaries”, Beluga Whales are born grey and don’t get their whole color until 7-8 years. Beluga whales are one of the most social animals in the sea and travel in groups (pods).

The typical Beluga Whale has an overall height of 2’8”-4’2” (81-127 cm) and body length of 13’-20’ (4-6.1 m). An average Beluga Whale weighs between 2,000-3,000 lb (910-1,360 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 35-50 years.

Drawings of a Beluga Whale viewed from the front, top, and bottom elevations
Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)
Height:
2’8”-4’2” | 81-127 cm
Width:
35”-54” | 89-138 cm
Length:
13’-20’ | 4-6.1 m
Depth:
Weight:
2,000-3,000 lb | 910-1,360 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Delphinapterus leucas
Lifespan
35-50 years

Drawings include:
Beluga Whale side elevation, front, top, bottom

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Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer)
Comparison drawing of the Baiji compared to other similar species and a person

Baijis are functionally extinct toothed whales under the family Lipotidae that populated the freshwater of the mighty Yangtze River. These animals could be found in groups of up to 16 and loved to surface but were shy and quiet, often avoiding boats. The Baiji was identified by a smaller head with a slender long beak upturned slightly at the tip. They also had small eyes with low vision, smaller triangular dorsal fins positioned halfway along their backs, and broadly rounded flippers on thier stocky bodies. Additionally, Baijis featured in Chinese folklore, relied on sonar for navigation, socializing, and showing emotions and believed to live up to 24 years. Baijis had a pale blue or grey coating on their backs and also spotted a white ventral belly side.

Baijis have a total length between 4.5’-8.5’ (1.37-2.59 m), body height of 11”-20” (27-52 cm), and width of 13”-24” (32-61 cm). The typical weight of the Baiji is in the range of 287-375 lb (130-170 kg). Baiji have lifespans between 24-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Baiji viewed from the side and top
Baijis are functionally extinct toothed whales under the family Lipotidae that populated the freshwater of the mighty Yangtze River. These animals could be found in groups of up to 16 and loved to surface but were shy and quiet, often avoiding boats.

Baijis have a total length between 4.5’-8.5’ (1.37-2.59 m), body height of 11”-20” (27-52 cm), and width of 13”-24” (32-61 cm). The typical weight of the Baiji is in the range of 287-375 lb (130-170 kg). Baiji have lifespans between 24-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Baiji viewed from the side and top
Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer)
Height:
11”-20” | 27-52 cm
Width:
13”-24” | 32-61 cm
Length:
4.5’-8.5’ | 1.37-2.59 m
Depth:
Weight:
287-375 lb | 130-170 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Lipotes vexillifer
Lifespan
24-30 years

Drawings include:

Baiji side elevation, front, top

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North Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a North Pacific Right Whale to a typical person and sea cows

The North Pacific right whales are among the rarest, endangered whale species in the family Balaenidae. These animals live or are frequently sighted in the Bering Sea, North Pacific, and western North Pacific. They are usually larger than the North Atlantic right whales though they share some similarities like lack of dorsal fin, V-shaped spout, plus lips coated in callosities. The North Pacific right whale has the thickest baleen, with females being larger than males. They also have an enormous head with a bumpy appearance. North Pacific right whales are social, playful, inquisitive, and love to breach besides slapping their flippers as they roll.

North Pacific Right Whales have a total length between 49’-65’ (14.9-19.8 m), body height of 11.5’-15.1’ (3.5-4.6 m), and width of 17.1’-23’ (5.2-7 m). The typical weight of the North Pacific Right Whale is in the range of 80-100 tons (73-91 metric tons). North Pacific Right Whale have lifespans between 50-70 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of North Pacific Right Whale in front and side poses
The North Pacific right whales are among the rarest, endangered whale species in the family Balaenidae. These animals live or are frequently sighted in the Bering Sea, North Pacific, and western North Pacific. They are usually larger than the North Atlantic right whales though they are similar.

North Pacific Right Whales have a total length between 49’-65’ (14.9-19.8 m), body height of 11.5’-15.1’ (3.5-4.6 m), and width of 17.1’-23’ (5.2-7 m). The typical weight of the North Pacific Right Whale is in the range of 80-100 tons (73-91 metric tons). North Pacific Right Whale have lifespans between 50-70 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of North Pacific Right Whale in front and side poses
North Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica)
Height:
11.5’-15.1’ | 3.5-4.6 m
Width:
17.1’-23’ | 5.2-7 m
Length:
49’-65’ | 14.9-19.8 m
Depth:
Weight:
80-100 tons | 73-91 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Eubalaena japonica
Lifespan
50-70 years

Drawings include:

North Pacific Right Whale side elevation, front, top

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Melon-Headed Whale (Peponocephala electra)
Comparison drawing of the Melon-Headed Whale compared to other similar species and a person

The Melon-headed whale is a toothed whale of the family Delphinidae living in the deep tropical and subtropical waters of the earth. Though they are seldom encountered, melon-headed whales or Electra dolphins or many-toothed blackfish or little killer whales are known to be ranging from small-to-medium size. Melon-headed whales' softly rounded faces and conical heads guarantee they lack beaks. They can be excluded from other whales using their sharp-pointed flippers, broad flukes, triangular head, and bow-shaped dorsal fin. Family and friendships are very important to melon-headed whales as they love swimming in large groups even with other dolphin species and engaging in bow-rides.

Melon-Headed Whales have a total length between 5.5’-9’ (1.68-2.74 m), body height of 12”-20” (30-50 cm), and width of 15”-25” (39-63 cm). The typical weight of the Melon-Headed Whale is in the range of 397-606 lb (180-275 kg). Melon-Headed Whale have lifespans between 20-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Melon-Headed Whale viewed from the side and top
The Melon-headed whale is a toothed whale of the family Delphinidae living in the deep tropical and subtropical waters of the earth. Though they are seldom encountered, melon-headed whales are known to be range from small-to-medium size.

Melon-Headed Whales have a total length between 5.5’-9’ (1.68-2.74 m), body height of 12”-20” (30-50 cm), and width of 15”-25” (39-63 cm). The typical weight of the Melon-Headed Whale is in the range of 397-606 lb (180-275 kg). Melon-Headed Whale have lifespans between 20-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Melon-Headed Whale viewed from the side and top
Melon-Headed Whale (Peponocephala electra)
Height:
12”-20” | 30-50 cm
Width:
15”-25” | 39-63 cm
Length:
5.5’-9’ | 1.68-2.74 m
Depth:
Weight:
397-606 lb | 180-275 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Peponocephala electra
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:

Melon-Headed Whale side elevation, front, top

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Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
Size comparison drawing of a Blue Whale compared to a person with measurements for overall length

Blue Whales are the largest known animal in the world; growing up to 98' (30 m) and weighing up to 173 tons (157,000 kgs). They can be found living in the North Atlantic, North Pacific and parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Just like their name, Blue Whales have a long-tapered body and have a bluish-grey dorsal. Blue whales don’t have teeth, but instead have large baleen which help separate sea water from krill after they swallow. After separation, the water is is filtered back out of their mouths through the baleen, while air from their lungs is expelled through their blow hole.

The typical Blue Whale has an overall height of 13’-16’ (3.96-4.88 m) and body length of 82’-105’ (25-32 m). An average Blue Whale weighs between 55-165 tons (50-150 metric tons) and has a typical lifespan of 80-90 years.

Illustrations of Blue Whales seen in various positions from the top, front and breaching
Blue Whales are the largest known animal in the world; growing up to 98 feet (30 meters) and weighing up to 173 tons (157,000 kgs). Just like their name, Blue Whales have a long-tapered body and have a bluish-grey dorsal. Blue whales don’t have teeth, but instead have large baleen systems.

The typical Blue Whale has an overall height of 13’-16’ (3.96-4.88 m) and body length of 82’-105’ (25-32 m). An average Blue Whale weighs between 55-165 tons (50-150 metric tons) and has a typical lifespan of 80-90 years.

Illustrations of Blue Whales seen in various positions from the top, front and breaching
Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
Height:
13’-16’ | 3.96-4.88 m
Width:
25.3’-31.8’ | 7.7-9.7 m
Length:
82’-105’ | 25-32 m
Depth:
Weight:
55-165 tons | 50-150 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Balaenoptera musculus
Lifespan
80-90 years

Drawings include:
Blue Whale side elevation, front, top, breaching

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