Vaquita
Phocoena sinus
ok. 1,4 mAdult individual
total length
total length
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaMeasurement: side
- Mass
- approx. 30–55 kgDorosłe osobniki
Vaquita — size comparison
The vaquita is a small porpoise found only in Mexico's northern Gulf of California. It has a stocky body, rounded head without a distinct beak and dark ring
Silhouette comparison
Length
wzdłuż osi ciała · od pyska do końca ogonaScale for the stated dimensions · each animal is labelled
Total lengthScale in m
00,511,5
approx. 1.4 m
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Vaquita — size comparison — facts and sources
The vaquita is a small porpoise found only in Mexico's northern Gulf of California. It has a stocky body, rounded head without a distinct beak and dark rings around eyes and mouth. The triangular dorsal fin is relatively large. It inhabits shallow, often turbid waters over soft bottoms.
Usually encountered alone or in pairs, it surfaces quietly and avoids motorised boats, making it difficult to see even nearby. It hunts small fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.
Gillnets are the main threat, killing vaquitas as incidental bycatch, including during illegal totoaba fishing. Its tiny range means the problem affects practically the entire species' population.