There are about 86 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises in the Order Cetacea, which is further divided into two sub-orders, the
whales.
The fin whale is the world's second-largest species. Fin whales are a streamlined animal and the only mammal known to be asymmetrically-colored. Learn about this interesting species here.
The North Atlantic right whale’s Latin name, Eubalaena glacialis, translates to “true whale of the ice.” The name is appropriate because whalers considered it the “right” whale to hunt. Right whales have been protected from whalers since the 1930’s but have been slow to recover, making them one of the most endangered whale species with only an estimated 350-400 remaining.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are found in all the world's oceans. Learn about the humpback whale and its behavior.
Minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), are the smallest baleen whale in North American waters and the second-smallest baleen whale worldwide. Learn about their distribution, reproduction and conservation status.
Beluga whales are cetaceans that belong to the Suborder Odontoceti, the toothed whales. Belugas are found in Arctic and subarctic ocean waters and the St. Lawrence River. These whales are easily recognizable by their white coloration and were called "sea canaries" by sailors.
Bottlenose dolphins are intelligent animals belonging to the Family Delphinidae. Learn about their characteristics, habitat and diet.
The biggest animal in the ocean, and in the world, is the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), a sleek, light-colored giant. The blue whale gets its name from its skin, which is a mottled blue-gray color.
Whales are mammals, and one of the characteristics common to all mammals is the presence of hair. There are over 80 species of whales, and hair is only visible in some. Whales have hair on their heads as fetuses, but they don't always keep it.
Whales are voluntary breathers, meaning they think about every breath they take. That means they can't sleep the way we do. Learn how cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) sleep, or rest.
The short answer: whales are not fish. Whales are mammals, just like you and me. All mammals are endothermic (commonly called warm-blooded), give birth to live young and nurse their young, breathe oxygen from air, and have hair (yes, even whales do!). If you're still not convinced, here are some specific ways that whales differ from fish.
