Vaquita

Presentation

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a small porpoise found only in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico. First scientifically documented in 1958, it is the rarest and most endangered cetacean in the world. Its population, reduced to just a few dozen individuals, is declining rapidly due to accidental catches in fishing nets. The vaquita is distinctive for its small size and the dark rings around its eyes and mouth. Shy and wary, it typically avoids boats, making sightings exceptionally rare.

The vaquita is the smallest known cetacean, with a stocky body that is dark grey on the back, gradually lightening toward the belly. It has characteristic black patches around the eyes and lips, and a proportionally large, triangular dorsal fin. Its body is adapted for discrete movement through shallow, turbid waters.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The vaquita lives exclusively in the shallow, turbid waters of the northern Gulf of California. It inhabits coastal zones less than 50 metres deep, often near lagoon mouths. This restricted habitat makes it particularly vulnerable to local human activities.

Behaviour

The vaquita is a solitary animal or lives in small groups of two to three individuals. It is notably discreet, avoids boats, and does not leap out of the water, unlike many other cetaceans. Its movements are slow and its surface appearances are brief, which makes study of this species difficult.

Reproduction

Females reach sexual maturity between 3 and 6 years of age and give birth to a single calf approximately every two years. Gestation lasts about 10 to 11 months. The naturally low reproductive rate of the species complicates its recovery in the face of current threats.

Peculiarities

The vaquita is often nicknamed the "panda of the sea" because of the dark patches around its eyes. It holds the grim distinction of being the most critically endangered cetacean, with a population estimated at fewer than 10 individuals in the 2020s. Its disappearance is closely linked to illegal totoaba fishing, a fish whose swim bladder is highly prized in Asia.

Threats and conservation

The main threat is accidental capture in gillnets used for illegal totoaba fishing. International trafficking of totoaba swim bladders, highly sought for traditional Asian medicine, sustains this destructive fishing. Despite protective measures and net bans, the population continues to decline.

References

Profile updated 03 September 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.