porpoises

Porpoises are small to medium-sized toothed whales in the family Phocoenidae, part of the order Cetacea. They are distinct from true dolphins, typically having a shorter, more rounded snout, spade-shaped teeth, and a stockier body. Most species have a small, triangular dorsal fin and a relatively blunt appearance.

The family Phocoenidae includes two genera: Phocoena, which contains harbor porpoises and vaquitas among others, and Phocoenoides, which contains the Dall’s porpoise. Porpoises are spread across temperate and subarctic waters and are commonly found in coastal habitats, though some species range offshore.

Porpoises feed mainly on small fish, squid, and crustaceans, using echolocation to locate prey. They typically travel in small to moderate groups and are generally more elusive and less likely to bow-ride than many dolphins. Their behavior is often described as shy or reserved, with rapid, short surface breaks rather than long leaps.

Reproduction occurs with a long gestation period, and calves are born after nearly a year of development. Calves nurse for several months, and individuals reach sexual maturity after a few years, with reproduction continuing over many seasons.

Conservation status varies by species. Some populations are resilient, while others face significant threats from bycatch in gillnets, coastal development, pollution, and shipping. The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is one of the most endangered marine mammals, with only a small number of individuals remaining in the wild. Protection measures and bycatch reduction efforts are central to porpoise conservation.