Phocoena Skull Replica measures 12.2 inches. Phocoena Skull is museum quality polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw). Made in USA. Our precise skull can be used as a teaching tool, museum skull exhibit, home decor skull, or office decor skull.
The Common Harbour Porpoise or Phocoena is one of six species of porpoise. It is one of the smallest marine mammals. As its name implies, it stays close to coastal areas or river estuaries, and as such, is the most familiar porpoise to whale watchers.
This porpoise often ventures up rivers, and has been seen hundreds of miles from the sea.
They are a little smaller than the other porpoises, at about 26 to 33 in. long at birth. Adults of both sexes grow to 4.6 to 6.2 ft. The females are heavier, with a maximum weight of around 168 lb. compared with the males at 134 lb.
The body is robust, and the animal is at its maximum girth just in front of its triangular dorsal fin. The beak is poorly demarcated. The flippers, dorsal fin, tail fin and back are a dark grey.
The sides are a slightly speckled, lighter grey. The underside is much whiter, though there are usually grey stripes running along the throat from the underside of the body.
Most of the time, the porpoises are either alone or in groups of no more than five animals. Porpoises mate promiscuously. Males produce large amounts of sperm, perhaps for sperm competition.
Females become sexually mature by their third or fourth year and can calve each year for several consecutive years, being pregnant and lactating at the same time. The gestation of the porpoise is typically 10–11 months.
Most births occur in late spring and summer. Calves are weaned after 8 to 12 months.
Their average life-span in the wild is 8 to 13 years, although some individuals have reached up to 20, and in captivity up to 28 years.
In a study of 239 dead Harbour Porpoises in the Gulf of Maine–Bay of Fundy, the vast majority were less than 12 years old and the oldest was 17.
