Finless Porpoise by Ghirin

Finless Porpoise Author: Ghirin

The finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) is found in the costal waters from the Persian Gulf to Japan. Populations are also found in adjacent estuaries, rivers, and shallow channels. They prefer shallow waters (up to 50 m deep) with soft or sandy bottoms.

Due to its lack of a dorsal fine, it is easy to identify in the wild. The living animal is often blue-gray and may darken after death. The neck vertebrae are not fused, allowing the animal to turn its head. Males may grow to 2 m and females range up to 1.5 m in length.

Finless porpoises often seen in singly or in groups of 2-4. Large groupings of up to 20 have been reported. Their primary diet consists of small fish, squid, crustaceans, and octopus.

Created by Ghirin 2003