Dolphins and Porpoises

What is the difference between dolphins and porpoises? Often the names are used interchangeably to refer to the small toothed whales that we commonly see in aquarium shows or on TV that have been trained to do tricks.

Dolphins and porpoises are related but they are different. The porpoise has a shorter snout and their teeth are a different shape than the dolphin. The porpoise is often mistaken for some small whales because of their shorter snout. Generally the porpoise is much smaller than the dolphin. Below are 2 pictures showing 2 different types.

Harbor porpoise

Bottle nosed Dolphin