Porpoise are a type of small toothed whale found in coastal and deeper water habitats around the world. They are closely related to dolphins and are often referred to as "little dolphin" in some regions. Porpoises share many physical characteristics with dolphins, such as a curved dorsal fin and slender body. However, porpoises tend to be smaller and more compact than dolphins, with shorter beaks and fewer teeth - usually around 20 or 30.
Porpoise coloring pages - get to know these animals better
Porpoises have excellent eyesight and hearing, and use echolocation to locate prey in the water. They feed mainly on fish and squid, but can also eat crustaceans, mollusks and other marine animals. Porpoises are highly intelligent and social animals, often living in groups of 10-20 members. They are known for their playful behaviors, such as jumping out of the water and riding the bow, where they float on the pressure wave created by the bow of the boat.
Porpoises can live up to 20 years and reach sexual maturity at 5-7 years of age. In the wild, they are threatened by fishing nets, pollution, boat noise and habitat loss. In some parts of the world, they are also hunted for their meat, oil and other products. Efforts to protect the porpoise include protected areas, as well as hunting and fishing regulations.
