Newfoundland and Labrador
Porpoises/Marsouin commun


Harbour porpoise: 1.4 meters; 41 kilograms

The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is the smallest of the whales. Locally it is referred to as "puffin pig" because of the grunting sound it makes while breathing. Usually seen singly or in small groups of 3 to 5 playing and spinning amongst each other, it has a rounded head with no beak, its skin is dark grey on the back and speckled white underneath. The flippers, small and black, are always located on the white portion of the body. The dorsal fin is stout and triangular, positioned in the middle of the back. Harbour porpoises are shy of boats and are not known to bowride. They are listed as "threatened" on the Canadian Endangered Species List.

Marsouin commun (Phocoena phocoena)
Taille: 1,5 à 2 m
Poids: 45 à 50 kg, jusqu'à 65 kg
Mode de vie: Parfois solitaire ou en paire mais habituellement en groupe de 5 à 10
Longévité: 10 à 13 ans
Observations: Régulières dans le golfe et l’estuaire
Notes: Il passe souvent inaperçu à cause de sa petite taille et de son souffle presque invisible. Il s’approche peu des embarcations en mouvement.

Others sharing Newfoundland waters

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