What is the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?

It may be confusing to know the differences between a porpoise and dolphin, but actually, when you know the differences in the way that they look, you will already know if you are looking at a dolphin or a porpoise. Porpoises have small mouths, and the teeth are spade-shaped. Dolphins will have longer snouts and will also have cone-shaped teeth.

They often look like they are smiling, especially when they have their mouths opened. The dolphin will have a curved dorsal fin, which is highly different from the more pointed dorsal fin of the porpoise. In terms of their bodies, the porpoise is known to be a bit more chunky as compared to the dolphin.

Some people may get confused with the differences between dolphins and porpoises, possibly because they look similar to each other. If you would look closely, though, there are some differences with their overall appearance that will help you determine the difference of one from the other. A dolphin will have an elongated beak, and its teeth will also be cone-shaped.

The porpoise will have a smaller mouth, and the teeth of the porpoise will also be different from the dolphin. There are 40 species of dolphins that are available while there are only seven species of porpoises that you can find right now. Dolphins and porpoises may sometimes fight with dolphins, usually winning although they do not eat the porpoise after.