How many species of whales are there?

Quick Answer

To answer how many species of whales are there, we must look at the entire scientific order known as Cetacea. As of 2026, marine biologists and taxonomists recognize approximately 93 distinct living species of cetaceans.

This group is split into two major suborders based on their feeding anatomy:

1. Mysticeti (Baleen Whales): There are currently 16 recognized species of baleen whales. These include the massive “Great Whales” like the Blue Whale and the Humpback Whale.
2. Odontoceti (Toothed Whales): This is the larger group, containing roughly 77 species. This suborder includes the Sperm Whale, all beaked whales, and taxonomically includes all oceanic dolphins, river dolphins, and porpoises.

It is important to note that the exact number fluctuates as genetic research reveals new cryptic species. For example, the discovery of Rice’s whale in 2021 added a new number to the list of baleen whales. While colloquial language often separates “whales” from “dolphins,” scientifically, they are all cetaceans.

In-Depth Explanation

Understanding the biodiversity of the world’s oceans requires a deep dive into cetacean classification. The number of whale species is not a static figure; it evolves as our understanding of genetics and evolution deepens.

The Scientific Definition: Order Cetacea

When scientists discuss “whales,” they are referring to the order Cetacea. This order is strictly aquatic and is characterized by a streamlined body, paddle-shaped forelimbs (flippers), and no hind limbs. Within this order, the species are divided into two distinct suborders that diverged roughly 34 million years ago.

Suborder Mysticeti: The Baleen Whales

The Mysticeti, or baleen whales, are generally characterized by their large size and the presence of baleen plates instead of teeth. These plates are used to filter plankton, krill, and small fish from the water.

There are currently 16 recognized species of baleen whales, organized into four families:

1. Balaenopteridae (The Rorquals): This is the largest family of baleen whales, characterized by throat pleats that allow their mouths to expand immensely during feeding.

   • This family includes the Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), the largest animal to ever live.
   • It also includes the Fin Whale, Sei Whale, Bryde’s Whale, Minke Whale, and the Humpback Whale.
   • Recent Addition: In 2021, scientists confirmed a new species in this family, Rice’s Whale (Balaenoptera ricei), which lives exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico.

2. Balaenidae (Right Whales): These whales lack throat grooved and have massive heads with highly arched jaws.

   • Species include the North Atlantic Right Whale, North Pacific Right Whale, Southern Right Whale, and the Bowhead Whale.

3. Eschrichtiidae: This family contains only one living species, the Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus), known for its epic migrations and bottom-feeding behavior.

4. Neobalaenidae: This family also contains a single species, the Pygmy Right Whale (Caperea marginata), which is the smallest and most elusive of the baleen whales.

Suborder Odontoceti: The Toothed Whales

The Odontoceti are characterized by the presence of teeth (though the number varies wildly from a single tooth to over a hundred) and a single blowhole (baleen whales have two). They are generally hunters that use echolocation to find prey.

There are approximately 77 species in this suborder, making them the most diverse group of cetaceans.

• Physeteridae & Kogiidae: The Sperm Whale is the largest toothed predator on Earth. Its smaller cousins are the Pygmy and Dwarf Sperm Whales.
• Ziphiidae (Beaked Whales): This is one of the most mysterious families in the animal kingdom. There are over 22 species of beaked whales, many of which spend their lives in deep offshore waters and are rarely seen. New species of beaked whales are still being discovered today.
• Monodontidae: The “whales of the north,” including the Beluga Whale and the Narwhal.
• Delphinidae (Oceanic Dolphins): This is the largest family of cetaceans, containing roughly 38 species.
  • Crucial Distinction: While we call them dolphins, taxonomically, they are toothed whales. This family includes the Killer Whale (Orca) and the Pilot Whale, both of which are technically dolphins but are referred to as whales due to their size.
• Phocoenidae (Porpoises): There are 7 species of porpoises, which are distinct from dolphins due to their flattened, spade-shaped teeth and shorter beaks.
• River Dolphins: There are several families of river dolphins living in the Amazon, Ganges, Indus, and Yangtze river systems (though the Baiji is likely extinct).

Why the Number Changes

You might find sources stating there are 89, 90, or 93 species. This discrepancy usually stems from taxonomic disputes.

• Cryptic Species: Some populations look identical but are genetically distinct. For years, Bryde’s whales were considered one species, but genetic analysis has suggested complexes of different species (like Rice’s whale).
• Subspecies vs. Species: There is ongoing debate about whether certain populations (like the distinct types of Killer Whales) should be classified as separate species or merely subspecies.

Regardless of the exact number, the diversity is staggering, ranging from the 4.5-foot Vaquita to the 100-foot Blue Whale.

Key Comparisons

When discussing “how many whales,” confusion often arises from the definitions of “whale,” “dolphin,” and “porpoise.” While they are all cetaceans, their biological grouping divides them significantly.

The most important comparison is between the two suborders that make up the 93+ species.

Baleen vs. Toothed Whales

Feature	Mysticeti (Baleen Whales)	Odontoceti (Toothed Whales)
Number of Species	~16 species	~77 species
Feeding Mechanism	Baleen plates (filter feeding)	Teeth (grasping/suction feeding)
Blowholes	Two	One
Size Range	Generally large (20ft - 100ft)	Varied (4ft - 60ft)
Echolocation	No (mostly communicate via low-frequency sound)	Yes (highly developed biosonar)
Social Structure	Often solitary or small loose groups	Highly social, complex pods
Primary Diet	Whale diet consists of krill, plankton, small fish	Squid, fish, marine mammals

The “Blackfish” Confusion

Several species in the family Delphinidae are commonly called “whales” but are biologically dolphins. These are often referred to informally by fishermen and biologists as “blackfish.”

• Killer Whale (Orca): The largest member of the dolphin family.
• Pilot Whale: Two species (Short-finned and Long-finned), both are large dolphins.
• False Killer Whale: Another large dolphin species.
• Melon-headed Whale: A small, deep-water dolphin.

These species bridge the linguistic gap. If you ask “how many species of whales are there” and strictly mean “not dolphins,” you would exclude these. However, because they are toothed whales (Odontocetes), they are counted in the total 93 cetacean species. For more on this distinction, you can read our guide on are orcas whales.

Related Questions

Are dolphins whales?

Yes, taxonomically speaking. Dolphins belong to the suborder Odontoceti, which means they are “toothed whales.” While in common conversation we separate them, a marine biologist categorizes a dolphin as a specific type of whale, just as a beagle is a specific type of dog.

Is a whale a mammal?

Yes, all 93 species of whales are mammals. They breathe air with lungs, are warm-blooded (endothermic), give birth to live young, and nurse their calves with milk. They evolved from land-dwelling mammals roughly 50 million years ago.

Are whales fish?

No. Despite living in the water and having a fish-like shape (fusiform), whales are not fish. Fish breathe using gills and are generally cold-blooded (ectothermic). Whales must surface to breathe air and regulate their own body temperature.

What is the biggest whale?

The biggest whale is the Blue Whale. It is not only the largest of the 93 cetacean species but also the largest animal known to have ever lived on Earth, surpassing even the largest dinosaurs. For details on its immense proportions, see how big is a blue whale.