Cetaceans | Cetacea

Cetacean are an order of aquatic mammals, such as dolphins and whales. Most Cetacean live in the ocean, although there are a few species of dolphins that live in rivers in Asia and South America. Cetacean have specially developed hearing and sight to work underwater, and some species of Cetacean use echolocation. Cetacean are found worldwide, but typically prefer colder waters in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Cetacean typically feed on fish and marine invertebrate, but some, such as the Killer Whale, feed on large mammals or birds, as well. Cetaceans have been hunted for their meat, oil, blubber, and to be kept in captivity to be exploited for entertainment.

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.

Cetaceans Guides
Browse through our curated Cetaceans Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Cetaceans. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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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
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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Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Amazon River Dolphin to a typical person and similar species

The Amazon River Dolphin or boto or bufeo or pink dolphin are freshwater toothed whales under the family Iniidae existing mainly in the Amazon basin and also in some rivers of South America. Botos have a look of their own: usually pink with males being pinker and bigger than females. They have small dorsal fins, plump bodies, long skinny snouts, and small eyes. Botos love solo life, however, can also be found in small groups. Pink dolphins are active all day, inquisitive with large paddle-shaped flippers and lithe and maneuverable bodies. Also, pink dolphins have been associated with legends and also featured in mythology.

Amazon River Dolphins have a total length between 6.5’-8.5’ (1.98-2.59 m), body height of 14”-19” (37-48 cm), and width of 22”-29” (56-74 cm). The typical weight of the Amazon River Dolphin is in the range of 331-408 lb (150-185 kg). Amazon River Dolphin have lifespans between 25-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Amazon River Dolphin in top and side poses
The Amazon River Dolphin or boto or bufeo or pink dolphin are freshwater toothed whales under the family Iniidae existing mainly in the Amazon basin and also in some rivers of South America. Botos have a look of their own: usually pink with males being pinker and bigger than females.

Amazon River Dolphins have a total length between 6.5’-8.5’ (1.98-2.59 m), body height of 14”-19” (37-48 cm), and width of 22”-29” (56-74 cm). The typical weight of the Amazon River Dolphin is in the range of 331-408 lb (150-185 kg). Amazon River Dolphin have lifespans between 25-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Amazon River Dolphin in top and side poses
Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)
Height:
14”-19” | 37-48 cm
Width:
22”-29” | 56-74 cm
Length:
6.5’-8.5’ | 1.98-2.59 m
Depth:
Weight:
331-408 lb | 150-185 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Inia geoffrensis
Lifespan
25-30 years

Drawings include:

Amazon River Dolphin side elevation, front, top

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Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Striped Dolphin to a typical person and similar species

The Striped dolphin is an extremely curious, active, and fast-moving mammal under the family Delphinidae widely distributed in all temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. The animals are usually small, very streamlined, and flashy with the grey strips that run along its body being the most distinct feature. Like other dolphins, the Striped dolphin is very social, often moving in large pods and at top speed. These animals love to be at the surface of the water where they display amazing acrobatics and engage in leap and high jumps. They are likewise killed in large numbers for their meat and trade to dolphinariums.

Striped Dolphins have a total length between 7.17’-8.5’ (2.19-2.59 m), body height of 16”-18” (41-47 cm), and width of 20”-23” (51-59 cm). The typical weight of the Striped Dolphin is in the range of 198-331 lb (90-150 kg). Striped Dolphin have lifespans between 45-58 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Striped Dolphin in top and side poses
The Striped dolphin is an extremely curious, active, and fast-moving mammal under the family Delphinidae widely distributed in all temperate and tropical oceans worldwide. The animals are usually small, very streamlined, and flashy with the grey strips that run along its body.

Striped Dolphins have a total length between 7.17’-8.5’ (2.19-2.59 m), body height of 16”-18” (41-47 cm), and width of 20”-23” (51-59 cm). The typical weight of the Striped Dolphin is in the range of 198-331 lb (90-150 kg). Striped Dolphin have lifespans between 45-58 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Striped Dolphin in top and side poses
Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)
Height:
16”-18” | 41-47 cm
Width:
20”-23” | 51-59 cm
Length:
7.17’-8.5’ | 2.19-2.59 m
Depth:
Weight:
198-331 lb | 90-150 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Stenella coeruleoalba
Lifespan
45-58 years

Drawings include:

Striped Dolphin side elevation, front, top

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Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Dimensioned side elevation drawing of a Common Bottlenose Dolphin measured for length with a scuba diver for scale

Common Bottlenose Dolphins are long-beaked dolphins and are also one of the most well-known water mammals on the planet. Their popular exposure in marine parks and high-trafficked beaches have contributed to their global presence. Bottlenose Dolphins can swim at an average of 15 mph (24km/h) and dive for 20 minutes but commonly hit the surface every 3 minutes. Common bottlenose dolphins hunt eels, squid, and fish and they swallow their food whole. Keeping a healthy diet, these dolphins can live up to 50 years.

The typical Bottlenose Dolphin has an overall height of 2’1”-2’11” (64-89 cm) and body length of 10’-14’ (310-430 cm). An average Bottlenose Dolphin weighs between 300-1,400 lb (136-625 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 20-30 years.

Collection of illustrations of the Common Bottlenose Dolphin drawn from the top, front and jumping positions
Common Bottlenose Dolphins are a species of long-beaked dolphins and one of the most well-known water mammals on the planet. At around around 1000 pounds and 13 feet (4 m) in length, Bottlenose Dolphins can swim at an average of 15 mph (24km/h) and dive for 20 minutes.

The typical Bottlenose Dolphin has an overall height of 2’1”-2’11” (64-89 cm) and body length of 10’-14’ (310-430 cm). An average Bottlenose Dolphin weighs between 300-1,400 lb (136-625 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 20-30 years.

Collection of illustrations of the Common Bottlenose Dolphin drawn from the top, front and jumping positions
Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Height:
2’1”-2’11” | 64-89 cm
Width:
33”-47” | 83-119 cm
Length:
10’-14’ | 3.1-4.3 m
Depth:
Weight:
300-1,400 lb | 136-625 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Tursiops truncatus
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:
Common Bottlenose Dolphin side elevation, front, top, jumping

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Orca | Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
Dimensioned size comparison drawing of an Orca Whale (Killer Whale) compared to the size of a person

Orca Whales, also known as Killer Whales, are a part of the dolphin family and is the largest in the family. They have a distinguishably black-white two-toned look and can be found up to 6 tons (5,500 kg) and 32 feet (9.7 meters) long. Orcas are carnivores and prey on fish and small seals and other species of dolphins. The name “killer whale” comes from the fact that they can take down large animals. Orcas are apex predators which means no other animal preys on the killer whale.

The typical Orca Whale, or Killer Whale, has an overall height of 5’3”-7’6” (1.60-2.29 m) and body length of 23’-32’ (7.01-9.75 m). An average Orca Whale weighs between 1.5-6 tons (1.3-5.4 metric tons) and has a typical lifespan of 30-50 years (wild); 60-70 years (captivity).

Collection of illustrations of the Orca Whale (Killer Whale) seen from various elevations
Orca Whales, also known as Killer Whales, are a part of the dolphin family and is the largest in the family. The name “killer whale” comes from the fact that they can take down large animals. Orcas are apex predators which means no other animal preys on the killer whale.

The typical Orca Whale, or Killer Whale, has an overall height of 5’3”-7’6” (1.60-2.29 m) and body length of 23’-32’ (7.01-9.75 m). An average Orca Whale weighs between 1.5-6 tons (1.3-5.4 metric tons) and has a typical lifespan of 30-50 years (wild); 60-70 years (captivity).

Collection of illustrations of the Orca Whale (Killer Whale) seen from various elevations
Orca | Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
Height:
5’3”-7’6” | 1.60-2.29 m
Width:
5.8’-8’ | 1.76-2.45 m
Length:
23’-32’ | 7.01-9.75 m
Depth:
Weight:
1.5-6 tons | 1.3-5.4 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Orcinus orca
Lifespan
30-50 years (wild); 60-70 years (captivity)

Drawings include:
Orca Whale (Killer Whale) side elevation, front, top, breaching

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