Difference Between the Male & Female Dolphins

Dolphins are some of the most beloved marine animals because of their friendly, intelligent and playful personalities. Since these personalities are displayed by both sexes, and physical attributes are much the same, it's difficult to differentiate male and female dolphins in the wild.

The Facts

A dolphin is a marine mammal of a specific family. According to The Dolphin Place, there are 32 species of marine dolphin. Although their specific markings and features are different, all dolphins have long, powerful bodies and bottle-shaped snouts.

Raising the Young

The easiest and most fool-proof way to tell a female dolphin from a male in the wild is the presence of a calf. The Miami-based Dolphin Research Center notes that male dolphins don't help to raise the babies and will never have a calf with them.

Physical Differences

In dolphins that are easily accessible, people can determine sex by the physical placement of a dolphin's genital slit. In males, the slit is close to the belly button. In females, the slit is close to the tail, and flanked by mammary glands.

Size

According to the Dolphin Research Center, male and female dolphins are essentially the same size. Trying to differentiate the sexes based on size is not accurate.

Fun Fact

Dolphins do not have a designated mating season. They mate year round. They take part in extensive amorous activity, or foreplay, before mating.

References

• The Dolphin Place: Dolphin Q&A
• Dolphin Research Center: Maternity