The 10 Largest Dolphins in the World

Dolphins are one of the world’s most beloved mammals. There are over 40 dolphin species worldwide. They belong to a group of marine mammals called cetaceans, which include dolphins, porpoises, and whales. Dolphins belong to the family Delphinidae, collectively referred to as oceanic dolphins. Pilot whales and killer whales also belong to this family. But which dolphins are the largest?

In this article, we include animals that are scientifically classified as part of the Delphinidae family, not just those with “dolphin” in their names. These animals can range widely in size, but this list focuses on the 10 largest dolphins based on length and weight. So, let’s take a deep dive into the world of dolphins and learn more about the 10 largest species in the world.

#10. Rough-Toothed Dolphin: 6.9-9.3 Feet

This dolphin gets its name from its unique grooved teeth. They can be identified by the light-colored spots on their sides and their long beaks. The rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) is the only long-beaked dolphin species that doesn’t have a crease between its head and nose.

You can find rough-toothed dolphins in deep, open waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. The average rough-toothed dolphin is smaller than many dolphin species, at only 8.5 feet. However, populations near Brazil have been recorded at over 9 feet. Rough-toothed dolphins come in at number ten on our list, at a length of 9.3 feet, weighing about 350 pounds.

#9. Northern and Southern Right Whale Dolphins: 6.5-10.2 Feet

Southern and northern right whale dolphins are recognized by their lack of a dorsal fin, short curved flippers, and well-defined beaks. These dolphins are uniquely colored, with white bellies and black backs. Northern right whale dolphins (Lissodelphis borealis) look very similar to their southern cousins, but the southern right whale dolphins (Lissodelphis peronii) have whiter undersides.

Both of these dolphins enjoy deep, offshore waters, but they live in opposite hemispheres. As their names suggest, the northern right whale dolphin lives in the North Pacific Ocean, while the southern right whale dolphin lives in Antarctic waters. Northern and southern right whale dolphins have nearly the same maximum size of around 10.2 feet. However, southern right whale dolphins tend to be larger on average. These dolphins weigh between 200-250 pounds, with the southern right whale dolphins on the higher end.

#8. Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin: 8.2-10 Feet

These aerodynamic dolphins get their name from the fatty hump at the level of their dorsal fin. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are easily identified by their mottled pink skin tone, although there are variations in color depending on location. However, the calves are typically born gray.

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins can be found in the Indian and Pacific oceans from Africa to Australia and China. These dolphins inhabit shallow coastal areas and bays. They can reach around 10 feet in length and weigh a maximum of about 600 pounds.

#7. White-Beaked Dolphin: 7.8-10.2 Feet

This plump, black, and grey dolphin gets its name from the white tip of its beak. The light-colored “saddle” behind the dorsal fin and the white band on the belly can also identify the white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris).

They can be found in the North Atlantic Ocean, in the waters along the eastern U.S. and Canada, as well as Scandinavia and northern Europe. The white-beaked dolphin swims into number seven on our list of the world’s largest dolphins with a length of 10.2 feet and a maximum weight of about 770 pounds.

#6. Common Bottlenose Dolphin: 6-13 Feet

The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is the animal most people think of when they hear the word “dolphin.” They are typically light gray to black on their sides with white bellies. They are known to be highly intelligent, with advanced cognitive abilities including problem-solving and communication.

These dolphins can be found in most coastal regions and open oceans, except polar waters. Some populations migrate seasonally, but common bottlenose dolphins generally stay in waters between 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can reach up to 13 feet in length and weigh up to 1,400 pounds, although most dolphins average closer to 900 pounds.

#5. Risso’s Dolphin: 8.5-16 Feet

Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) are born dark grey, then darken to black as juveniles before they begin lightening with age. They have blunt heads and lack the beak of most dolphins. These dolphins only have teeth on their bottom jaws. Risso’s dolphins are also known to have extensive scarring, possibly due to skin damage from repigmentation and dominance fights in males.

These dolphins spend most of their time traveling. They generally prefer the open sea in subtropical, tropical, and temperate waters worldwide. They are number five on the list, with a maximum length of 16 feet and weighing around 1,100 pounds.

#4. False Killer Whale: 16-20 Feet

False killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) can be identified by their long, slender bodies of mostly grey or black, although they can have lighter undersides. They have a slight overbite, which gives the impression of a beak. However, they do not at all resemble killer whales. They were given their name because their skulls are said to be very similar to the skulls of killer whales.

The false killer whale can be found in deep, offshore waters in tropical and subtropical oceans all over the world. However, they sometimes visit coastal areas. These dolphins can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh a maximum of 3,000 pounds.

#3. Short-Finned Pilot Whale: 12-24 Feet

Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) are black with white markings on their chests and throats. Some sources say these markings look like anchors. They have a beak-like snout and a melon-shaped head. As their name indicates, they have short, thin flippers.

These whales can be found in open waters and coastal shores near continental shelves in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They primarily inhabit tropical and sub-tropical waters. Short-finned pilot whales can grow to a maximum length of 24 feet and weigh up to 6,600 pounds.

#2. Long-finned Pilot Whale: 19-25 Feet

Like its short-finned cousin, the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) is known for its melon-shaped head and anchor-shaped markings. Other than their long pectoral fins, they differ only slightly from short-finned pilot whales in size and coloration.

Long-finned pilot whales prefer the colder waters of the Northern Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere. They can be found in open waters, as well as coastal regions. These are the second-largest dolphins on the list, with maximum lengths of 25 feet and weights up to 5,000 pounds.

#1. Orca or Killer Whale: 23-32 Feet

The orca, or killer whale (Orcinus orca), is the world’s largest dolphin. They are easily identified by their distinctive black and white bodies. These whales are primarily black on the top and sides, with white undersides and a white patch above their eyes. Also, they are not vicious killers as their name would suggest. Their nickname comes from sailors who observed these whales preying on other whales.

Orcas are widespread and can be spotted in every ocean, but they prefer colder waters. Male killer whales can grow up to 32 feet long and weigh up to 11 tons, or 22,000 pounds. A male orca’s dorsal fin alone can reach up to 6 feet tall. So, it’s no wonder the orca is the largest animal in the Delphinidae family. It is also considered the top predator in the ocean.