About Cetaceans
Cetaceans are marine mammals with streamlined (hydrodynamic) bodies that glide easily through their watery environment, horizontal flukes, front flippers for steering and a layer of blubber directly under the skin. According to the Society for Marine Mammalogy, 88 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises are included in the Order Cetacea.

Fact sheets of marine mammal species prepared by Museum apprentices.

How big is a blue whale’s heart? Do whales have hair? These questions and many more are answered.

A page devoted to the characteristics of the four species of this family (North Atlantic Right Whale, Southern Right Whale, North Pacific Right Whale, and Bowhead Whale)

This family, also known as the 'rorquals,' includes the humpback whale and the blue whale

Learn the general characteristics of the 36 different species of dolphin

What is the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise? Find out by comparing this family to the delphinidae

How does the River Dolphin differ from other dolphins?

Species in these families include the beluga, the narwhal, and the largest toothed whale in the world.

How do beaked whales compare to the mighty sperm whale? Read on to find out!

Learn about some of the least known whales in the world.