Dall's Porpoise
Phocoenoides dalli
Silhouette: Chris huh · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderCetacea
- FamilyPhocoenidae (Porpoises)
- GenusPhocoenoides
- SpeciesPhocoenoides dalli (Dall's Porpoise)
About the Dall's Porpoise
Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli) is a species of porpoise endemic to the North Pacific. It is the largest of porpoises and the only member of the genus Phocoenoides. The species is named after American naturalist W. H. Dall.
Dall's porpoise is the only member of the genus Phocoenoides. The dalli and truei types were initially described as separate species in 1911, but later studies determined that the available evidence only supported the existence of one species. Currently, these two color morphs are recognized as distinct subspecies, Dall's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli dalli) and True's porpoise (Phocoenoides dalli truei).
Dall's porpoises can be easily distinguished from other porpoises and cetacean species within their range. They have a wide, robust body, a comparatively tiny head, and no distinguished beak. Their flippers are positioned at the front of the body and a triangular dorsal fin sits mid-body. Patterns of coloration are highly variable, but Dall's porpoises are mostly black, have white to grey patches on the flank and belly, and frosting on the dorsal fin and trailing edge of the fluke.
They are the largest living porpoise species... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Dall's Porpoise in Kenai Fjords National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Kenai Fjords National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kenai Fjords National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Great Bear Rainforest | 🇨🇦 Canada | |
| 3 | Olympic National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 4 | Katmai National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 5 | Channel Islands National Park | 🇺🇸 United States |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Dall's Porpoise in Kenai Fjords National Park?
About 50% of wildlife watchers report a Dall's Porpoise sighting in Kenai Fjords National Park, based on 37 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Dall's Porpoise in Kenai Fjords National Park?
July has the highest sighting rate for Dall's Porpoise in Kenai Fjords National Park in our monthly data.