Due to the noise they make when they spout, harbour porpoises are also known as 'puffing pigs'.

Subspecies
None.

Life span
They are possibly the shortest-lived cetacean and rarely live for longer than 12 years.

Statistics
Harbour porpoises have a body length of 1.4-1.9m and weigh 55-65kg.

Physical description
Harbour porpoises are a greyish colour. They have a low, triangular dorsal fin and lack a beak. Like all porpoises, they have spade-shaped teeth (as opposed to conical in dolphins).

Distribution
Harbour porpoises inhabit the waters of the North Atlantic, North Pacific, Arctic Ocean, Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

Diet
They feed on fish.

Behaviour
Harbour porpoises live in groups of 2-5.

Conservation status
Harbour porpoises are classified as Vulnerable by the 2000 Red List. Global threats include hunting, human disturbance, habitat loss, prey depletion, pollution and entanglement in nets.