Common name: Black Porpise
Scientific name: Phocoena spinipinnis
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Catacea
Family: Phocoenidae
Genius: Phocoena
Species: P.spinipinnis
The black porpoise is not the most handsome animal but, is very interesting and is different from other whales. Its body is strong, thick and it has a very flat head and large flippers. Its color can be dark grey to brownish color on its sides or back. It can also be a light grey color in its belly area. Its scientific name is Phocoena spinipinnis.
Its habitat is in the ocean. It is usually found in shallow waters around South America. It ranges from Southern Brazil to Cape Horn. They are native in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay.
Its population is unknown but there is very few remaining. The black porpoise tends to travel in groups of 1-8. They are in danger of becoming extinct. The main reason is that of its predators. Humans are the black porpoise’s main threat. Humans will harpoon and kill the animal. And then use it for crab bait.
The black porpoise eats many things. Their main diet is mostly anchovies and hake which are large fish. But sometimes they will feed on squid, mysid shrimp, and euphausids. They also feed on many mollusks and sardines.
In conclusion the black porpoise is very interesting. Some interesting black porpoise are, its body is about half the size of a human. After it dies its body turns completely black istantly.As u can see the black porpoise is a very interesting animal, and is very different than other whales.
Author: Gage W
Published: 02/2011
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Photo Credit: http://www.seapic.org