Spectacled porpoise

Drawing of Brillenschweinswals

The Brillenschweinswal ( Phocoena dioptrica, Syn Australophocoena dioptrica ) is the largest representative of harbor porpoises ( Phocoenidae ). Characteristic of the type is a white ring around the eyes, which owes its name to the animal.

Dissemination

Glasses porpoises live in the circumpolar oceans of the southern hemisphere. Many strandings are known from Tierra del Fuego. More sightings are from the South Pacific (New Zealand, southern Australia) and the southern Indian Ocean (around the Kerguelen Islands) known. Previously it was assumed that they are inhabitants of the coastal regions, while keeping them today rather for ocean dwellers.

Description

Glasses porpoises are sturdily built whales. The top is dark blue or blackish in color and separated by a distinct line from the bright bottom. On the tail fin shaft is located on both sides of a gray spot. The rounded triangular fin in males significantly larger than females. The flippers are white, the black fin and the dorsal side of the Fluke black, while the underside is white. The small, rounded head is characterized by a lighter eye ring. The 17 to 23 teeth in the upper jaw and 16 to 20 teeth in the lower jaw are spatula shaped. This feature distinguishes porpoises generally of dolphins. The mouth opening is edged with black. Adult animals can reach a length of 2 meters (females ) to 2.2 meters (male ) and a weight from 55 to 80 kg in exceptional cases up to 115 kg.

Way of life

Glasses porpoises live solitary or in pairs. They feed on fish and squid. The proximity of ships they avoid. Their reproductive biology is not known.

Threat

The total population or the degree of risk are not known.