What kind of dolphin is the finless porpoise?

The finless porpoise is a species of porpoise belonging to the family Phocoenidae and the genus Neophocaena. Unlike other dolphins, they have no dorsal fin. Instead, they have a low ridge on their back. In English, they are called 'finless porpoises.' 'Finless' means 'without fins'. They have a grayish body, with a slightly lighter belly. They also have a round head and a short beak. They are very shy and rarely appear in front of people, making them a mysterious species, even to researchers.

What do finless porpoises eat?

Finless porpoises are carnivores and primarily eat fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs. They swim along the shallow seabed, foraging for food. They also use echolocation to find prey. By emitting sound waves, they can understand their surroundings and pinpoint the location of their prey. This ability allows them to hunt efficiently, even in murky water.

[Quiz!] Why don't finless porpoises have a dorsal fin?

It is believed that finless porpoises lost their dorsal fins as an adaptation to living in shallow waters. In shallow waters, a dorsal fin can get caught on rocks and seaweed. Therefore, they have evolved to have a smaller dorsal fin to navigate more easily in shallow waters. It is also said that the lack of a dorsal fin helps them regulate their body temperature. A dorsal fin has a large surface area, which can make it easy for heat to escape. By not having a dorsal fin, they can conserve heat more easily.

[Quiz!] Can finless porpoises be befriended?

Finless porpoises are very shy and rarely approach humans. Therefore, it is very difficult to keep them in aquariums. However, in Japan, there are finless porpoise watching tours in Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay, where you can observe them in the wild. If you participate in a finless porpoise watching tour, please be sure to observe them quietly so as not to stress them.

[Quiz!] Are finless porpoises endangered?

The finless porpoise is listed as 'Endangered' (EN) on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. Their numbers are declining due to bycatch from fisheries, marine pollution, and habitat destruction. To protect finless porpoises, it is crucial to regulate fishing, prevent pollution, and conserve their habitat.

Animal Article

Finless Porpoise

Did you know that there are dolphins living in the waters around Japan? The finless porpoise is a small dolphin that lives in the shallow waters of East Asia. They are known for their lack of a dorsal fin and their rounded body, giving them a very endearing appearance. Let's explore the ecology of the finless porpoise and the threats they face.