A small, sleek marine mammal found in coastal waters and estuaries throughout the Indian and western Pacific Oceans, including areas around India, Southeast Asia, southern China, and Japan. What makes this porpoise instantly recognizable is its lack of a dorsal fin — unlike most dolphins and porpoises, it has a smooth, rounded back with only a low ridge, giving it a unique silhouette in the water. This feature, along with its compact body and gentle expression, sets it apart as one of the more unusual members of the cetacean family.

Finless porpoises are generally grayish to slate-colored, with smooth, rubbery-looking skin. Their bodies are streamlined for swimming in shallow, murky waters, and they rely heavily on echolocation to navigate and hunt. Unlike flashy dolphins, they are shy and quiet, rarely leaping from the water or approaching boats. They usually live alone or in small groups and feed on a variety of fish, squid, and crustaceans.

These porpoises prefer shallow coastal zones, bays, mangroves, and river mouths, which makes them particularly vulnerable to human activity. Fishing nets, pollution, and boat traffic pose serious threats, often leading to accidental entanglement or habitat disturbance. In some regions, populations are declining, and conservationists are working to better understand and protect their habitats. Despite their low profile, they play an important role in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bahrain

2017

Bangladesh

2017

Brunei

2017

Cambodia

2017

China

2017

Seasonality Uncertain

Hong Kong

2017

Seasonality Uncertain

India

2017

Indonesia

2017

Iran

2017

Iraq

2017

Kuwait

2017

Macao

2017

Presence Uncertain

Malaysia

2017

Myanmar

2017

Oman

2017

Presence Uncertain

Pakistan

2017

Qatar

2017

Saudi Arabia

2017

Singapore

2017

Sri Lanka

2017

Seasonality Uncertain

Taiwan

2017

Seasonality Uncertain

Thailand

2017

UAE

2017

Vietnam

2017