Finless porpoise: Neophocaena phocaenoides

Abstract

The finless porpoise is a small phocoenid cetacean lacking a dorsal fin. The species has a rounded head without an apparent beak. Its color is uniformly dark to pale gray and somewhat lighter on the ventral side. The teeth are spatulate in shape like those of most other porpoises of the family phocoenidae. Finless porpoises inhabit shallow coastal waters and some rivers in the Indo-Pacific region. Finless porpoises prefer the mangrove zone in tropical waters. They are also found in estuaries and large river systems such as the Indus, Ganges, and Yangtze Rivers. Finless porpoises rarely form large schools and are usually found in pairs. Mother and calf or an adult pair is the basic social unit in finless porpoises. Finless porpoises usually swim quietly and do not leap or make splashes. They tend to avoid vessels and do not bow ride.