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Delphinidae - dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales

common dolphinThere are 32 species in this family. Delphinids have a torpedo-shaped body; a long beak-like snout; cone-shaped teeth; a blow hole; and a bulging forehead. The bulge in their forehead is cause by the melon. The melon is a fatty bulge between the dolphin's skull and blow hole that is used for echolocation. Most species have a curved dorsal fin. Delphinids are found in all of the world's oceans and some species are found in rivers. They are usually found in shallow water. Most species live in large groups or pods. Delphinids are fast and agile swimmers. Delphinids use echolocation to locate prey like fish and squid. Killer whales also eat seals and penguins.

Endangered in NH Endangered in N.H.
Threatened in NH Threatened in N.H.
introduced Introduced
Endangered in the US Endangered in U.S.
Threatened in the US Threatened in U.S.
 

  New Hampshire Species    Other North American Species
Short-beaked saddleback dolphin  

Atlantic spotted dolphin
Atlantic white-sided dolphin
Bottlenose dolphin
Clymene dolphin
False killer whale
Fraser's dolphin
Killer whale
Long-beaked saddleback dolphin
Long-finned pilot whale
Melon-headed whale
Northern right whale dolphin
Pacific white-sided dolphin
Pantropical spotted dolphin
Pygmy killer whale
Risso's dolphin
Rough-toothed dolphin
Short-finned pilot whale
Spinner dolphin
Striped dolphin
White-beaked dolphin

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