These are one of the largest of the porpoises. They are fast, active swimmers, and they normally avoid boats.

Subspecies
None.

Life span
Unknown.

Statistics
Body length: 1.3-2.2m, Weight: 60-84kg.

Physical description
Spectacled porpoises have distinctive black and white markings - black above and white underneath. They have black eyes with white spectacles, and a white stripe on the upper surface of the tail. They have a large rounded dorsal fin, and no beak. Like all porpoises, they have spade-shaped teeth (as opposed to conical in dolphins).

Distribution
Spectacled porpoises inhabit the South Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans.

Diet
They feed on squid and fish.

Behaviour
Spectacled porpoises live in groups of 1-25. Little else is known about their behaviour as most of the information has been gleaned from stranded individuals.

Conservation status
Spectacled porpoises are classified as Data Deficient by the 2000 Red List.