Introduction
Introduction
How are Indo-Pacific finless porpoises different from dolphins?
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Both are odontocetes, i.e. toothed whales
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Belong to two different families (porpoise belongs to the family Phocoenidae and dolphin belongs to the family Delphinidae)
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Can be considered as different as dogs from cats
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Features of Indo-Pacific finless porpoises and dolphins
Indo-Pacific finless porpoises | Dolphins | |
Appearance | Smaller, adults < 2m | Larger |
Dorsal Fin | Absent |
Large, always present |
Rostrum or Beak | Absent | Prominent |
Teeth | Spaded-shaped | Conical |
Behaviour | Shy Seldom approach boats Seldom exhibit aerial behaviour |
Very active Exhibit lots of aerial behaviour, such as breaching, spy hopping, wake-riding and bow-riding |