Taxa

Delphinidae

Mammal Families

The oceanic dolphins: the largest cetacean family, most species highly social, fast-swimming and, in many species, capable of complex cooperative hunting and communication. Delphinidae includes the common bottlenose dolphin and the orca, the largest member of the family.

Facts
Taxonomic Rank
Family 2
Scientific Name
Delphinidae 2
Member Count Band
10 to 100 Species 3
Era First Appeared
Neogene 4
Disputed
Member Species/Taxa Count
38 2
Approximate described-species (or, for a genus, described-taxon) count; continually revised as species are newly described, reclassified or synonymized.
Classification
Living or Extinct
Yes 1
Connections

Child Taxon Of

Cetacea, Taxa
Source Catalogue of Life

Parent Taxon Of

Aethalodelphis, Taxa
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Lagenorhynchus obliquidens (Animal Diversity Web)
Atlantic humpback dolphin, Species
Source Atlantic humpback dolphin (Wikidata)
Atlantic spotted dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Stenella frontalis
Atlantic white-sided dolphin, Species
Source Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Wikipedia)
Australian humpback dolphin, Species
Source GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Sousa sahulensis in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Chilean dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cephalorhynchus eutropia (Animal Diversity Web)
Clymene dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Stenella clymene (Animal Diversity Web)
Commerson's dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Cephalorhynchus commersonii
Common Bottlenose Dolphin, Species
Source Catalogue of Life
Common dolphin, Species
Source Common dolphin (Wikidata)
Dusky dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Lagenorhynchus obscurus (Animal Diversity Web)
False killer whale, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Pseudorca crassidens (Animal Diversity Web)
Fraser's dolphin, Species
Source Wikidata: Lagenodelphis
Guiana dolphin, Species
Source Guiana dolphin (Wikipedia)
Heaviside's dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cephalorhynchus heavisidii (Animal Diversity Web)
Hector's dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cephalorhynchus hectori (Animal Diversity Web)
Hourglass dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Lagenorhynchus cruciger
Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, Species
Source Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Wikipedia)
Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Tursiops aduncus (Animal Diversity Web)
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Species
Source Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Wikidata)
Irrawaddy dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Orcaella brevirostris (Animal Diversity Web)
Leucopleurus, Taxa
Source Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Wikipedia)
Long-finned pilot whale, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Globicephala melas
Melon-headed whale, Species
Source Wikidata: Peponocephala
Northern right whale dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Lissodelphis borealis (Animal Diversity Web)
Orca, Species
Source Catalogue of Life
Orcinus paleorca, Species
Source Wikipedia: Orcinus
Pacific white-sided dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Lagenorhynchus obliquidens (Animal Diversity Web)
Pantropical spotted dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Stenella attenuata (Animal Diversity Web)
Pseudorca yokoyamai, Species
Source Pseudorca yokoyamai (Wikipedia)
Pygmy killer whale, Species
Source Wikidata: Feresa
Risso's dolphin, Species
Source Risso's dolphin (Wikidata)
Rough-toothed dolphin, Species
Source Rough-toothed dolphin (Wikidata)
Short-finned pilot whale, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Globicephala macrorhynchus
Southern right whale dolphin, Species
Source Southern right whale dolphin (Wikipedia)
Spinner dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Stenella longirostris
Striped dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Stenella coeruleoalba (Animal Diversity Web)
Tamanend's bottlenose dolphin, Species
Source GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Tursiops erebennus in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Tucuxi, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Sotalia fluviatilis (Animal Diversity Web)
White-beaked dolphin, Species
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Lagenorhynchus albirostris (Animal Diversity Web)
Sources
1. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ215760, descriptionView the Source
2. Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life
  • Taxonomic Rank: Family
  • Scientific Name: Delphinidae
  • Member Species/Taxa Count: 38
View the Source
3. Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank): Taxon metrics for Delphinidae
Catalogue of Life (ChecklistBank)Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCount
Quote, Taxon metrics, speciesExtantCount
"speciesExtantCount": 40
View the Source
4. Paleobiology Database: Taxon record for Delphinidae
Paleobiology DatabaseTaxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)
Quote, Taxon record, first appearance (firstapp_max_ma, early_interval)
"taxon_name": "Delphinidae" ... "firstapp_max_ma": 23.04 ... "early_interval": "Aquitanian"
View the Source
Wikidata: Delphinidae
Wikidata Q215760, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source
Risso's dolphin (Wikidata)
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Risso's dolphin, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Common dolphin (Wikidata)
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Common dolphin, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Wikidata: Lagenodelphis
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Fraser's dolphin, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Rough-toothed dolphin (Wikidata)
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Rough-toothed dolphin, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Wikidata)
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Atlantic humpback dolphin (Wikidata)
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Atlantic humpback dolphin, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Wikidata: Peponocephala
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Melon-headed whale, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Wikidata: Feresa
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Pygmy killer whale, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Lagenorhynchus obliquidens (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
  • Parent Taxon Of: Pacific white-sided dolphin, Classification, family
    Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
  • Parent Taxon Of: Aethalodelphis, Classification, family of the species account
    Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Wikipedia)
  • Parent Taxon Of: Atlantic white-sided dolphin, Taxonomy
    basal members of the family Delphinidae
  • Parent Taxon Of: Leucopleurus, Taxonomy, family
    basal members of the family Delphinidae
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cephalorhynchus eutropia (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Chilean dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Chilean dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cephalorhynchus heavisidii (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Heaviside's dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Heaviside's dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Lissodelphis borealis (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Northern right whale dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Northern right whale dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Southern right whale dolphin (Wikipedia)
Parent Taxon Of: Southern right whale dolphin, Taxonomy
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Southern right whale dolphin, Taxonomy
Recent classifications have placed Lissodelphis within the Delphinidae
View the Source
Guiana dolphin (Wikipedia)
Parent Taxon Of: Guiana dolphin, Lead, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Guiana dolphin, Lead, family
It is a member of the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae).
View the Source
Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Wikipedia)
Parent Taxon Of: Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, Lead, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, Lead, family
is a member of the Delphinidae family
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Cephalorhynchus hectori (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Hector's dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Hector's dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Cephalorhynchus commersonii
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Commerson's dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Commerson's dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Orcaella brevirostris (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Irrawaddy dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Irrawaddy dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Globicephala macrorhynchus
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Short-finned pilot whale, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Short-finned pilot whale, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Stenella clymene (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Clymene dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Clymene dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Globicephala melas
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Long-finned pilot whale, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Long-finned pilot whale, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Pseudorca crassidens (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: False killer whale, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: False killer whale, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Stenella frontalis
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Atlantic spotted dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Atlantic spotted dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Stenella attenuata (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Pantropical spotted dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Pantropical spotted dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Stenella coeruleoalba (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Striped dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Striped dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Lagenorhynchus cruciger
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Hourglass dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Hourglass dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Stenella longirostris
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Spinner dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Spinner dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Lagenorhynchus obscurus (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Dusky dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Dusky dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Tursiops aduncus (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Lagenorhynchus albirostris (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: White-beaked dolphin, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: White-beaked dolphin, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Sotalia fluviatilis (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyParent Taxon Of: Tucuxi, Classification, family
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Tucuxi, Classification, family
Delphinidae dolphins, killer whales, pilot whales, and relatives
View the Source
Pseudorca yokoyamai (Wikipedia)
Parent Taxon Of: Pseudorca yokoyamai, Lead
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Pseudorca yokoyamai, Lead
Pseudorca yokoyamai is an extinct species of oceanic dolphin
View the Source
GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Sousa sahulensis in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)Parent Taxon Of: Australian humpback dolphin, Species record
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Australian humpback dolphin, Species record
family: Delphinidae
View the Source
GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Tursiops erebennus in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)Parent Taxon Of: Tamanend's bottlenose dolphin, Species record
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Tamanend's bottlenose dolphin, Species record
family: Delphinidae
View the Source
Wikipedia: Orcinus
Parent Taxon Of: Orcinus paleorca, Lead
Quote, Parent Taxon Of: Orcinus paleorca, Lead
Orcinus () is a genus of Delphinidae (dolphins)
View the Source
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share a thought.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.

Nature Atlas

How Nature Works
Sign In
Text size
100%
Theme

Switch Atlas