Origin of the name

The name is originally from Ancient Greek delphís; "dolphin", which was related to the Greek delphys; "womb". The animal's name can therefore be interpreted as meaning "a fish with a womb". The name was transmitted via the Latin delphinus, Middle Latin dolfinus and the Old French daulphin, which reintroduced the ph into the word.

Picture: Bottlenose Dolphin

Anatomy of a Dolphin

Picture: Common Dolphin

General Stuff

Dolphins are aquatic mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid.

Dolphins are considered to be amongst the most intelligent of animals and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in human culture.

Picture