Javascript is either disabled or not supported by this browser. This page may not appear properly. Underwater, a dolphin communicates with whistles emitted in single-toned squels to convey alarm,sexual excitement,and other emotional states. Dolphins inhabit all the world's oceans, using their streamlined bodies to reach underwater speeds of 25 mph. The swimming ability coupled with sharp teeth enables dolphins to capture fish and squid,their principal prey.
Dolphins are an aquatic mammal closely related to whales and porpoises.
Sleek and powerful swimmers found in all seas,dolphins are distinguished from porpoises by well-defined, beaklike snouts and conical teeth. The porpoise has a blunt snout, chisel-shaped teeth,and a stouter body. There are at least 32 species of dolphins. Killer whales occur in more parts of the world than probably any other cetacean. They occur in all oceans,both in the open ocean and close to the shore,but are more common in the colder, more productive waters of both hemispheres than in the tropics.