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
Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris)
Scale illustration of an average Spinner Dolphin compared to a human and similar species

The Spinner dolphin is a toothed whale under the family Delphinidae whose prime habitats are the off-shore tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. These spinning champs are recognizable by their acrobatic skills and aerial spiral, which starts in the water and progresses into the air before they dive back into the ocean. The animals have long, skinny beaks, flippers that are curved and pointed at their tips, tall triangular dorsal fin, and slender bodies. The spinner dolphin displays different routines during the day and night, where they relax during the day and travel at sundown to feed. Spinning time is usually late in the afternoon. Like most dolphins, the Spinner dolphin is social and loves congregating in large schools.

Spinner Dolphins have a total length between 6.5’-7.75’ (1.98-2.36 m), body height of 13”-16” (34-41 cm), and width of 16”-19” (41-49 cm). The typical weight of the Spinner Dolphin is in the range of 51-174 lb (23-79 kg). Spinner Dolphin have lifespans between 20-25 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Spinner Dolphin seen from the side and top
The Spinner dolphin is a toothed whale under the family Delphinidae whose prime habitats are the off-shore tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. These spinning champs are recognizable by their acrobatic skills and aerial spiral, which starts in the water and progresses into the air.

Spinner Dolphins have a total length between 6.5’-7.75’ (1.98-2.36 m), body height of 13”-16” (34-41 cm), and width of 16”-19” (41-49 cm). The typical weight of the Spinner Dolphin is in the range of 51-174 lb (23-79 kg). Spinner Dolphin have lifespans between 20-25 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Spinner Dolphin seen from the side and top
Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris)
Height:
13”-16” | 34-41 cm
Width:
16”-19” | 41-49 cm
Length:
6.5’-7.75’ | 1.98-2.36 m
Depth:
Weight:
51-174 lb | 23-79 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Stenella longirostris
Lifespan
20-25 years

Drawings include:

Spinner Dolphin side elevation, front, top

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Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)
Dimensioned side elevation drawing of a Vaquita compared to the size of a swimming person

Vaquitas are a marine mammal that have a very particular appearance with their eyes and mouth blacked out and their upper side of the body is grey. Vaquitas are small mammals and one of the world's rarest. In 2018, researchers discovered that less than 10 vaquitas remain in the wild. Vaquitas have been on the endangered species list since the late 90s. Their environment is in the Gulf of California in Mexico, which is about 900 square miles. A big factor of their extinction is from increasingly lack of fish, squid, and crustaceans that make up their diet.

The typical Vaquita has an overall height of 12”-14” (30-36 cm) and body length of 4’-5’ (1.2-1.5 m). An average Vaquita weighs between 100-110 lb (45-50 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 20 years (average).

Pair of drawings of a Vaquita in jumping and front positions
Vaquitas are marine mammals with a very particular appearance with their eyes and mouth blacked out and their upper side of the body is grey. Vaquitas have a size of four to five feet long (1.2-1.5 m) and weigh in around 120 pounds (50 kg). Vaquitas are small mammals and one of the world's rarest.

The typical Vaquita has an overall height of 12”-14” (30-36 cm) and body length of 4’-5’ (1.2-1.5 m). An average Vaquita weighs between 100-110 lb (45-50 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 20 years (average).

Pair of drawings of a Vaquita in jumping and front positions
Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)
Height:
12”-14” | 30-36 cm
Width:
12”-15” | 30-37 cm
Length:
4’-5’ | 1.2-1.5 m
Depth:
Weight:
100-110 lb | 45-50 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Phocoena sinus
Lifespan
20 years (average)

Drawings include:
Vaquita side elevation, jumping, front

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Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Southern Right Whale to a typical person and sea cows

The Southern right whale loves to raise its tail off the water before it starts a dive. These right whales belong to the family Balaenidae and are mostly found in the oceans of the southern hemisphere. The Southern right whales are social, living in groups or pairs and love to slap their flippers on the water surface. They likewise love to breach and frequently spy hop. They prefer deep open oceans and often migrate annually. The Southern right whales are enormous, slow swimmers hence were an easy victim for whaling. They are identified by a black body with patches of white coating underneath and on their chin, broad backs, lack of dorsal fins, and have visible callosities around their mouth and over their head.

Southern Right Whales have a total length between 50’-60’ (15.2-18.3 m), body height of 10.5’-12.8’ (3.2-3.9 m), and width of 17.4’-21.7’ (5.3-6.6 m). The typical weight of the Southern Right Whale is in the range of 47-90 tons (43-82 metric tons). Southern Right Whale have lifespans between 60-80 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Southern Right Whale in front and side poses
The Southern right whale loves to raise its tail off the water before it starts a dive. These right whales belong to the family Balaenidae and are mostly found in the oceans of the southern hemisphere. The Southern right whales are social, living in groups or pairs and love to slap their flippers.

Southern Right Whales have a total length between 50’-60’ (15.2-18.3 m), body height of 10.5’-12.8’ (3.2-3.9 m), and width of 17.4’-21.7’ (5.3-6.6 m). The typical weight of the Southern Right Whale is in the range of 47-90 tons (43-82 metric tons). Southern Right Whale have lifespans between 60-80 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Southern Right Whale in front and side poses
Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis)
Height:
10.5’-12.8’ | 3.2-3.9 m
Width:
17.4’-21.7’ | 5.3-6.6 m
Length:
50’-60’ | 15.2-18.3 m
Depth:
Weight:
47-90 tons | 43-82 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Eubalaena australis
Lifespan
60-80 years

Drawings include:

Southern Right Whale side elevation, front, top

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Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
Scale illustration of an average Common Dolphin compared to a human and similar species

The Common Dolphin falls under the family Delphinidae inhabiting all warm-temperate and tropical waters. The dolphins are medium-sized with males having prominent postanal humps. The common dolphin’s body is wrapped in a rare color pattern with its back black and bell white. The short-beaked common dolphin has a smaller snout, slightly stockier body with a better-rounded melon when compared to a long-beaked common dolphin. Their life is rich in speed games, acrobatic stunts and are extremely social that they engage in bow-rides, breaching, and feeding other marine animals like seabirds. Additionally, they would come together to take care of a sick or injured member.

They have a surprisingly high vocalizations and fondness for traveling in large social groupings where they are often spotted breaching, bow-riding, and porpoising at the water surface. Though males have a larger body set than females, both sex shows a predominance of black or dark grey color with several spots of color bands along their sides. Besides, they have the highest tooth-count when compared to other dolphins. They are also frequent in captivity.

Common Dolphins have a total length between 6.17’-8.5’ (1.88-2.59 m), body height of 14”-20” (36-50 cm), and width of 16”-22” (40-55 cm). The typical weight of the Common Dolphin is in the range of 220-298 lb (100-135 kg). Common Dolphin have lifespans between 25-40 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Common Dolphin seen from the side and top
The Common Dolphin falls under the family Delphinidae inhabiting all warm-temperate and tropical waters. The dolphins are medium-sized with males having prominent postanal humps. The common dolphin’s body is wrapped in a rare color pattern with its back black and bell white.

Common Dolphins have a total length between 6.17’-8.5’ (1.88-2.59 m), body height of 14”-20” (36-50 cm), and width of 16”-22” (40-55 cm). The typical weight of the Common Dolphin is in the range of 220-298 lb (100-135 kg). Common Dolphin have lifespans between 25-40 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Common Dolphin seen from the side and top
Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
Height:
14”-20” | 36-50 cm
Width:
16”-22” | 40-55 cm
Length:
6.17’-8.5’ | 1.88-2.59 m
Depth:
Weight:
220-298 lb | 100-135 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Delphinus delphis
Lifespan
25-40 years

Drawings include:

Common Dolphin side elevation, front, top

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Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Irrawaddy Dolphin to a typical person and similar species

The Irrawaddy dolphin is distinguishable from other dolphins by their very expressive face. These oceanic dolphins are grouped under the family Delphinidae and prefer sea coasts, river outlets, and shallow waters of Southeast Asia, Bay of Bengal, and Indonesia. They are sociable, existing in small groups, slow swimmers, and may occasionally spit spout of water from their mouths. Irrawaddy dolphins lack beaks but are highly recognizable from their charismatic rounded face that makes them resemble baby belugas. Other traits include small dorsal fin but long and larger flippers and greyish body, though their belly is lighter. Irrawaddy dolphins also love to engage in cooperative fishing with local fishermen.

Irrawaddy Dolphins have a total length between 5.92’-9’ (1.8-2.74 m), body height of 14”-21” (36-54 cm), and width of 15”-23” (39-59 cm). The typical weight of the Irrawaddy Dolphin is in the range of 198-441 lb (90-200 kg). Irrawaddy Dolphin have lifespans between 15-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Irrawaddy Dolphin in top and side poses
The Irrawaddy dolphin is distinguishable from other dolphins by their very expressive face. These oceanic dolphins are grouped under the family Delphinidae and prefer sea coasts, river outlets, and shallow waters of Southeast Asia, Bay of Bengal, and Indonesia.

Irrawaddy Dolphins have a total length between 5.92’-9’ (1.8-2.74 m), body height of 14”-21” (36-54 cm), and width of 15”-23” (39-59 cm). The typical weight of the Irrawaddy Dolphin is in the range of 198-441 lb (90-200 kg). Irrawaddy Dolphin have lifespans between 15-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Irrawaddy Dolphin in top and side poses
Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
Height:
14”-21” | 36-54 cm
Width:
15”-23” | 39-59 cm
Length:
5.92’-9’ | 1.8-2.74 m
Depth:
Weight:
198-441 lb | 90-200 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Orcaella brevirostris
Lifespan
15-30 years

Drawings include:

Irrawaddy Dolphin side elevation, front, top

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