What is the difference between Dolphin and Porpoise?

The major way by which dolphins and porpoises can be differentiated is by comparing their body shapes, faces, and fins. Let's start by comparing their noses. Dolphins have longer noses than porpoises. Also, dolphins have bigger mouths than porpoises. In terms of size, porpoises are portlier than dolphins. Another difference is that dolphins are commonly seen compared to porpoises. This depends greatly on the fact that there are about 32 species of dolphins, whereas there are only about six species of porpoises.

As I said, porpoises have smaller mouths; they also have smaller beaks compared to dolphins. Unlike dolphins that have cone-shaped teeth, porpoises have spade-shaped teeth. Another difference is that dolphins have curved dorsal fins, whereas the dorsal fins of porpoises are triangular in shape. Another differentiating feature is the whistling sounds of dolphins. They use these sounds to communicate with one another. In contrast, porpoises don't usually make this sound.

Porpoise and Dolphins are both creatures of the sea. Porpoises are smaller in size compared to dolphins; except they are chubbier, and in the whale family. Their dorsal fins are also different, as they are shaped like a wave. They present like a triangle fin that looks like a shark’s fin. The unique-looking fin is taller but curved to the back. A dolphin’s nose is a pointed beak, while the porpoise has a shorter but round nose.

Their teeth are also different. The teeth of the dolphin are sharper and shaped like a cone, while the porpoise has flat teeth. These two animals maintain different behaviors. You can often see dolphins in marine shows and aquariums. Even though they live in the ocean, they have a reputation for being very sociable and friendly animals. In other words, they play well with humans. On the other hand, porpoises are rather shy, and they do not interact with humans.