Dolphins, like whales and porpoises, are cetaceans, and one of the most loved marine mammals.

There are about 50 species of dolphins and they are quite common.

Dolphins are often confused with porpoises. All dolphins have a beak-like snout and very sharp, conical teeth. Porpoises, on the other hand, have blunt snouts and spade or chisel-shaped teeth.

Dolphins have streamlined bodies. Sleek and smooth, their hairless skin feels a lot like rubber. Most species of dolphins can swim at 37 to 40 kmph when chasing their lunch.

They breathe through a ‘blowhole’ on top of their heads, and surface every two minutes to take in air. They can, however, hold their breath for several minutes if they have to and they can dive to more than 300 m. They swim around in big groups or pods of up to 100 dolphins.