How to Identify Harbour Porpoise

To identify Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side is dark grey to black, fading to lighter grey on the flanks and white on the ventral side. A dark stripe often extends from the corner of the mouth to the flipper. The dorsal fin is typically dark.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Small, robust body (typically 1.4-1.9 meters in length, weighing 45-70 kg), Small, triangular dorsal fin located mid-back, often with a slightly concave trailing edge, No prominent beak, a blunt snout, Spade-shaped teeth (22-28 pairs in each jaw), Relatively small, rounded flippers

Dorsal fin

Small, triangular, located centrally on the back, typically dark grey to black.

Tail fin

Broad, crescent-shaped flukes with a median notch, dark grey to black.

Pectoral fin

Small, rounded, paddle-like flippers, dark grey to black.

Distinctive fins

The small, triangular dorsal fin is a key distinguishing feature from most dolphins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Look for a small, robust cetacean with a blunt head and no prominent beak. Adults are typically 1.4-1.9 meters long.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fin

   The most distinctive feature is its small, triangular dorsal fin, which is usually dark and located centrally on the back. It lacks the prominent curve or hook of many dolphin species.

3. 3

   Surfacing Behavior

   Harbour porpoises have a characteristic 'rolling' surfacing behavior, often exposing only a small part of their back and dorsal fin. They rarely leap or bow-ride and their blow is inconspicuous, often described as a soft 'puff' sound.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Dark grey to black on the back, fading to lighter grey on the sides and white on the belly. A dark stripe from the mouth to the flipper is often visible.

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