Phocoena dioptrica, Spectacled Porpoise [+]

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Cetacea Family Phocoenidae Genus Phocoena species: Phocoena dioptrica [+ITIS +WoRMS]

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Description & Behavior

The spectacled porpoise, Phocoena dioptrica (Lahille, 1912), aka Marsopa de Anteojos, bicolour porpoise, is a small porpoise, with a large rounded dorsal fin. Females have a more triangular fin. The upper body is glossy blue-black in color, with a distinctive sharp line portraying the change to white on the lower sides and underneath. This white area may expand with age. There is a white stripe along the upper side of the tail stock. A black patch is present around each eye, surrounded by a fine white line. The lips are black and one or two dark gray stripes lead from the lips to the flippers, extending to trail down the leading edge. These porpoises measure 1.3-2.2 m in length, and weigh between 60-115 kg.

Spectacled porpoises tend to travel in small groups of 1-2 animals. They move by rolling slowly forward in the water and are not as acrobatic as other small cetaceans.

The spectacled porpoise has 17-23 (upper) or 17-20 (lower) spade-shaped teeth in each row.

World Range & Habitat

The spectacled porpoise, Phocoena dioptrica, inhabit the the coastal waters of certain offshore islands and the southern Atlantic coast of South America. There are records from the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island, and the Aukland Islands. Although rarely seen at sea, this information suggests that the spectacled porpoise may be circumpolar in the subantarctic. Sightings have occurred in offshore waters as well as in rivers and channels.

» GBIF occurrence data in Google Earth [Tips] | Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) (World Distribution) [about]

Feeding Behavior (Ecology)

The spectacled porpoise, Phocoena dioptrica, feeds on fish (mainly anchovies, stomatopods) and squid.

Life History

The spectacled porpoise, Phocoena dioptrica, births appear to occur in the southern spring to summer. Essentially nothing else is known of this species' behavior and biology.

Conservation Status/Additional Comments

Argentina and Uruguay occasionally hunt these porpoises and an unknown number die from entrapment within fishing gear every year. In the past, this species was apparently harpooned by Tierra del Fuegan natives, as well as fishermen and whalers.