Toothed Whales | Odontoceti

Toothed Whales | Odontoceti

Description
Description

Odontocetes are toothed whales classified under Cetaceans that include mammals such as the sperm whale, beaked whales, porpoise, and dolphins. Male and female Odontocetes show distinct sexual dimorphism. Odontocetes are acknowledged to have well-developed hearing senses with some species being very intelligent. They also have conical teeth and a layer of fat beneath their skin for keeping them warm while in cold waters. Additionally, most species of the Odontocetes are sociable with smaller Odontocetes like the dolphins kept in captivity for scientific research and entertaining people by doing tricks. Others are followed or observed in the ocean in an activity called whale watching.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Toothed whales (Odontoceti) have streamlined bodies built for efficient swimming. Their strong tails, or flukes, move up and down, propelling them forward. Unlike their baleen counterparts, they have teeth used for catching prey. A blowhole on top of their head allows them to breathe while mostly submerged.

These creatures use echolocation for navigation and hunting: they emit sound waves that bounce back, helping them "see" underwater. Their sophisticated brains and complex vocal cords allow for a range of sounds, aiding in communication. With sharp eyesight in water, and a less developed sense of taste and smell, they're well-adapted marine predators.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Toothed whales (Odontoceti) have a multifaceted relationship with humans that spans centuries. Historically, they've been hunted for their oil, meat, and teeth, leading to population declines in some species. In modern times, many societies revere these cetaceans, with dolphin-watching and whale-watching becoming popular ecotourism activities.

However, they still face threats from human activities, including ship strikes, pollution, and bycatch in fishing nets. Conservation efforts have been amplified, leading to protections like the Marine Mammal Protection Act and global moratoriums on whaling. While many species show signs of recovery, others, especially smaller cetaceans, remain critically endangered due to persistent human-induced threats.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What do dolphins eat?

A dolphin’s diet typically consists of a variety of fish, squid, shrimp, jellyfish, and octopuses. Their diet also depends on the species of the dolphin (there are more than 40 species of dolphin), where the dolphin lives, and the other wildlife that lives around them.

How long do dolphins live?

The life expectancy of a dolphin is affected by their habitat, geography, diet, level of endangerment, health, social structure, and species. Dolphins are able to live for an average of 20 years, and female dolphins tend live longer than males. Dolphins that live in captivity tend to have shorter lifespans than those in the wild.

Where do dolphins live?

Dolphins are able to live in all of the world’s oceans and in some rivers. Not all species of dolphins are able to live in every environment, except for the bottlenose dolphin who is able to live in almost every ocean except for the Arctic and Antarctic ocean. Most dolphins prefer tropical and temperate waters since they are warm-blooded mammals.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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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Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena sunameri)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Finless Porpoise to a typical person and similar species

Finless porpoise inhabits most of the areas or water of the Korean peninsula, Jiuduansha, and the Yellow and East China seas. They fall under the family Phocoenidae with the most distinct characteristic being lack of a true dorsal fin. These animals have an unusually steeper forehead, moderately large flippers, and bodies in uniform bright grey color. Compared to other porpoises, they are rarely social, prefer solitary or small schools, less energetic, and less showy, but can show tail stands and acts of breaching. Finless porpoises also prefer coastal waters, putting them at risk of death from human activity and entanglement in gill nets.

Finless Porpoises have a total length between 6.25’-7.5’ (1.91-2.29 m), body height of 14”-17” (36-43 cm), and width of 21”-25” (54-64 cm). The typical weight of the Finless Porpoise is in the range of 66-159 lb (30-72 kg). Finless Porpoise have lifespans between 10-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Finless Porpoise in top and side poses
Finless porpoise inhabits most of the areas or water of the Korean peninsula, Jiuduansha, and the Yellow and East China seas. They fall under the family Phocoenidae with the most distinct characteristic being lack of a true dorsal fin. These animals have an unusually steeper forehead.

Finless Porpoises have a total length between 6.25’-7.5’ (1.91-2.29 m), body height of 14”-17” (36-43 cm), and width of 21”-25” (54-64 cm). The typical weight of the Finless Porpoise is in the range of 66-159 lb (30-72 kg). Finless Porpoise have lifespans between 10-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Finless Porpoise in top and side poses
Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena sunameri)
Height:
14”-17” | 36-43 cm
Width:
21”-25” | 54-64 cm
Length:
6.25’-7.5’ | 1.91-2.29 m
Depth:
Weight:
66-159 lb | 30-72 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Neophocaena sunameri
Lifespan
10-20 years

Drawings include:

Finless Porpoise side elevation, front, top

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Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
Side elevation illustration of a Sperm Whale with dimensions for overall length and a scuba diver for scale

A Sperm Whale is a predator and is the largest toothed whale in the oceans. Sperm whales can live up to 60 years and baby whales (calves) are raised with their mothers a quarter of their life. The name sperm whale comes from the whaling industry that hunted them for oil lamps, lubricants, and candles. The sperm whale has a unique look characterized by its block-shaped head and its distinct blowhole. Sperm whales’ prey off squid and octopus. Sperm whales can weigh in over 40 tons and have a length of 50 feet (15 m), making it one of the biggest sea animals.

The typical Sperm Whale has an overall height of 6’9”-11’ (2.06-3.35 m) and body length of 39’-62’ (12-19 m). An average Sperm Whale weighs between 38.5-65 tons (35-59 metric tons) and has a typical lifespan of 60-70 years.

Pair of top and bottom drawings of a Sperm Whale
The Sperm Whale is the largest toothed whale in the oceans. Sperm whales can live up to 60 years and baby whales (calves) are raised with their mothers a quarter of their life. The name sperm whale comes from the whaling industry that hunted them for oil lamps, lubricants, and candles.

The typical Sperm Whale has an overall height of 6’9”-11’ (2.06-3.35 m) and body length of 39’-62’ (12-19 m). An average Sperm Whale weighs between 38.5-65 tons (35-59 metric tons) and has a typical lifespan of 60-70 years.

Pair of top and bottom drawings of a Sperm Whale
Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus)
Height:
6’9”-11’ | 2.06-3.35 m
Width:
10.5’-16’ | 3.21-4.88 m
Length:
39’-62’ | 12-19 m
Depth:
Weight:
38.5-65 tons | 35-59 metric tons
Area:
Scientific Name
Physeter macrocephalus
Lifespan
60-70 years

Drawings include:
Sperm Whale side elevation, top, bottom

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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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