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In heraldry, the dolphin is an ornamental creature in the form of a large fish, bearing little resemblance to the true natural dolphin, a marine mammal.

The dolphin is found as a charge in early heraldic representations, often with an arched back and fish-like fins. Its attitude is usually shown as either "naiant" – (Old French, now present participle nageant, "swimming") that is, horizontally as though swimming in water – or "hauriant" – that is, shown upright. The term "embowed" is often used, meaning with its tail curved towards the head.

The dolphin is a symbol of the Dauphins of France. Heraldic representations of dolphins also appear in the arms of many British families, and in those of maritime organisations.

References

1. John Vinycomb, Fictitious and Symbolic Creatures in Art, 1909
2. Arthur Charles Fox-Davies, A Complete Guide to Heraldry, 1909

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