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Dall's Porpoise

The unique body shape of the Dall's Porpoise makes
it easily distinguishable from other cetacean species.
The animal has a very thick body and a small head.
The colouration is rather like that of an Orca
the main body of the porpoise is very dark grey to black
with very demarcated white patches on the flank that begin
some way behind the flippers, which are small and close to
the head. The dorsal fin is set just back from the middle of
the back and sits up erect. The upper part of the dorsal fin
has a white to light grey "frosting". The fluke has a similar
frosting. The adult fluke curves back towards the body of the
animal, which is another distinguishing feature.

Facts

Scientific Name:

Phocoenoides dalli

Length:

2.30 m / 7.7 ft

Weight:

130 to 200 kg / 286 to 440 lbs

Age:

up to 15 years

Total Population:

Map Range:

Two consistent and well-defined colour morphs— the dalli-type
morph and the truei-type morph have been identified.
The dalli-type is more widespread, ranging across the north
Pacific Ocean from southern California to southern Japan
(including the Sea of Japan in the south up to the Bering Sea in the north).
The truei type is more restricted, occupying a smaller area of the northwest
Pacific north and east of Japan. The species differs from other porpoises in
that it prefers deep water and the open ocean.
They also have a slightly different color pattern. The white patch
reaches till the pectorals and on the other type it reaches till the head.

Captivity

Current Dall's Porpoises in Captivity

There are currently no Dall's Porpoises in captivity.

Past Dall's Porpoises in Captivity:

US Navy.
Long Marine Lab.
Marine World Africa. (USA)
Marineland of the Pacific.