Whales, along with dolphins and porpoises, are warm-blooded mammals and breathe air like humans do.
There are some significant differences between whales and fish:
Whales are warm blooded. Fish are cold blooded.
Whales breathe air through lungs. Fish use gills to extract air from water.
Whales give birth to live young. Most fish (with some exceptions) lay eggs.
The tail of a whale moves up and down. The tail of a fish moves from side to side.
Other marine mammals include seals, fur seals, sealions, dugongs, manatees, walruses, sea otters and even polar bears!
What is a whale shark?
A whale shark is a fish. It is the largest member of the shark family. Like many large whales it feeds on tiny creatures in the ocean such as plankton.
Amazing facts about whales and dolphins
Dive deeper into the world of whales and dolphins and learn more about their lives.
Facts about whales
Amazing facts about whales, the largest mammals to live on Earth.
Facts about dolphins
From the orca to the tiny vaquita, learn more about these creatures.
Record breakers
Whales and dolphins hold some incredible records.
Brain power
Just how intelligent are whales and dolphins?
Please help us save whales and dolphins
By adopting a whale or dolphin, by making a donation, or by fundraising for WDC, you can help us provide a safe future for these amazing creatures.
Adopt
Adopt a whale and help us protect these amazing creatures.
Donate
Your gifts help us take action for whales and dolphins.
Fundraise
Run, bake, walk, cycle… what could you do for whales and dolphins?