DOLPHINS

DOLPHIN AND PORPOISE. Dolphins are small members of the whale order, Cetacea. Although the terms dolphin and porpoise are sometimes used interchangeably to refer to any member of the group, biologists recognize three distinct families: the true porpoises, with six marine species; the river dolphins, with five freshwater species; and the true dolphins, with more than 30 marine species. The killer whales and pilot whales are closely related to the true dolphins and are included in …

…is also given to an unrelated species: a large fish of open tropical seas. The dolphin fish (Coryphaena hippurus) is sometimes called the coryphene or the dorado. It is a shiny golden and blue color with deep blue spots. The colors are brilliant but fade rapidly when the fish is removed from the water. Dolphin fish are an edible game species that may reach lengths of 6 feet (1.8 meters) and weights of more than 100 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**