P. dalli Skull Replica measures 11.6 inches. P. dalli Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast, 2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw). Known as Dall’s Porpoise. Made in USA.
Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home decor skull, or office decor skull.
Dall’s Porpoise or P. 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 or P. dalli 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 Porpoise or P. dalli 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 porpoise species, growing up to 7.5 ft. in length and weighing between 370 and 490 lb.
Sexual dimorphism is apparent in body size and shape, with mature males being larger, developing a deeper caudal peduncle, and having a dorsal fin that’s significantly angled forward in comparison to a female’s.
Dall’s Porpoises or P. dalli become sexually mature at 3.5 to 8 years of age and give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 10 to 12 months, usually between June and September. The calves are generally 3.3 feet long and are nursed by their mother for less than one year. These cetaceans can live up to 22 years, but their lifespan is generally 15 to 20 years.
Two colormorphs have been identified: the dalli-type and truei-type. The truei-type, found only in the western Pacific, has a white belly patch that extends farther forward across the body than that of the dalli-type.
Dall’s Porpoises or P. dalli are limited to the North Pacific: in the east from California to the Bering Sea and Okhotsk Sea, and in the west down to the Sea of Japan. They have been sighted as far south as Scammon’s Lagoon in Baja California when water temperature was unseasonably cold.
Dall’s Porpoises are found in groups averaging between two and 12 individuals, but they have been seen in larger, loosely associated groups in the hundreds or even thousands of animals. They are known to associate with Pacific white-sided Dolphins and Short-finned Pilot Whales and have also been seen swimming alongside large whales.
Dall’s Porpoises or P. dalli can dive up to 1,640 feet to feed on small schooling fish such as anchovies, herring, and hake.They also feed on lanternfish, smelts, squid, octopus, crabs and shrimp. Feeding usually occurs at night when their prey migrates up toward the surface.
