The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation
Harbor Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Harbor porpoises are one of the smallest species of cetaceans found around Long Island. The Harbor porpoise reaches lengths of only 4-6 feet when full grown, and weights of 99-110 pounds. These animals are small and chunky, with a minimal forehead and snout. Their foreflippers are rounded, and the dorsal fin is triangular in shape. Harbor porpoises are dark brown or gray in color, with a white belly and dark appendages. They have 44-56 spade shaped teeth in each jaw, and feed mainly on cephalopods, benthic invertebrates,capelin, hake, cod, and schooling fish such as herring or mackerel. Harbor porpoises are widely distributed, and can be found in coastal waters of the Northern Hemisphere. They usually travel in groups of 50 or more but can be encountered singly, in pairs, or in smaller groups of 5-10 individuals. Harbor porpoises are capable of breaching and porpoising fully out of the water, but they rarely display these behaviors. Females give birth every year to a single calf, with the gestation period lasting for 11 months. These animals can live for up to 15 years, and their main predators include Great White Sharks and Killer Whales. Harbor porpoises are listed as a species of concern in New York State.
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