Facts on Dolphins

The most obvious visual differences between them are the shapes of the heads and the teeth.
In general, dolphins have a rostrum (beak) and porpoises have a more rounded head without a distinct beak. Porpoises have flat, spade-shaped teeth while dolphins have conical-shaped teeth.

The bottlenose dolphin is the species most commonly seen at marine parks and aquariums. Dolphin Quest is the home for the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin species (Tursiops truncatus).

There are about 45 species of dolphins and porpoises. The terms dolphin and porpoise are often used interchangeably but there are some differences.

Did you know? Bottlenose dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins get
their name from the
shorter, more robust
rostrum that scientists
say looks like a bottle.