It is shown on the basis of a complete sample of Virgo cluster galaxies and a larger set of varied data from the literature that ellipticals, early-type dwarfs, and bulges of S0s and spiral form two distinct families in the plane of the effective parameters mu(e) and R(e). While the 'normal' family encompasses all galaxies fainter than M(B) of -19.3, the 'bright' family is made up of the brightest cluster members and by the host galaxies of QSOs. The existence of this dichotomy bears on the use of the fundamental plane to probe extragalactic distances.