About the vaquita

This rare porpoise breed is one like no other.

A few facts

  1. The vaquita porpoise is the smallest breed of porpoise

  2. The vaquita is the world's most endangered marine animal

  3. You can tell one individual vaquita from another because of their markings on their dorsal fins

  4. The vaquita is found in only on place in the world - the Gulf of California

  5. In 2005, the Mexican government banned gill-nets to protect vaquitas

Where are they located?

The vaquita porpoise is found in only one place in the world: in the Gulf of California. They are extremely rare, but if you did happen to be near one, they would swim away or hide, as they are also very shy creatures.

Hunters

Vaquitas used to be hunted because they look like their features around their eyes and mouth makes them look like they are wearing makeup.

Gill-nets

A lot of vaquitas were accidentally caught in gill-nets. This helped to lower their numbers heavily.

Species profile:

Conservation status: Critically endangered

Scientific name: Phocoena sinus

Ecology: Usually found in pairs or alone.

Behaviour: Slow surfacing and inconspicuous.

Reproduction: Mate at 3 - 6 years. Gestation period is 11 months.

Lifespan: Without being killed, their average lifespan is 21+ years.

Diet: Carnivore. Small fish and squid.

Length: 1.5 metres

Weight: 43 kg