Harbor Porpoise
Phococena phocoena
 |
| FIELD MARKS: |
chunky body
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small, to 1.8m
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flukes notched
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white patch on sides
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travel in small groups |
|
Description
Maximum length 1.8m (5 feet). Small chunky body colored gray or brown on the back, fading to light gray or brown on the sides. White belly. White extends up the sides in front of the flippers, which can be seen when the animal leaps. No snout or prominant forehead. Triangular dorsal fin with a blunt tip. Trailing edges of flukes are concave and divided by a distinct notch.
Note
Sides often speckled with white. Occasional albinos have been seen.
Habitat
Common in northern bays, harbours, river mouths, and shallow inshore waters. Subarctic and cold temperate waters, usually inshore within 10-fathom curve, rarely to 100 fathoms offshore.
Range
In the Atlantic, common from Labrador to Massachusetts. In the Pacific, common to sporadic from southeast Alaska to northern California.
Food
Known to feed on octopuses, squids, and fishes, including herring.
Similar Species
Not likely to be confused with any other cetacean.
Comments
Occasionally seen in large aggregations, but more often singly, paired, or in small groups of 5 to 10 individuals. Rarely associates with dolphins, but sometimes seen with Fin and Humpback Whales along the Canadian coast in summer. Rarely breaches, but does leap and splash the surface when swimming fast. Often swims quietly at the surface. Will not approach boats or bow ride.
Also known as the Common Porpoise, Herring Hog, and, because of its loud blow, Puffing Pig.
May be preyed upon by large sharks and by Killer Whales. Because they live mainly inshore they are often adversely affected by human activities.
Each female produces a single offspring about once every year.
Copyright 1999-2003 - All Rights Reserved, By Norma Ranieri (EMail:Dolphintailz@geocities.com)
Credits
Much of the information found here has been adapted from the following sources:
"The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Fishes, Whales & Dolphins", Copyright Chanticleer Press, Inc. 1983. All rights reserved.
"The Whale-Watchers Handbook: A Field Guide to the Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of North America", by David K. Bulloch, Copyright 1993, All rights reserved.
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