Northern vaquita (SciiFii)

The northern vaquita (Phocoena sinus borealis) is a subspecies of vaquita that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the Californian Great Barrier Reef to help boost biodiversity. Like the southern subspecies of vaquita, which is only found in the Gulf of California, the northern vaquita is one of the smallest living cetaceans, averaging 150 centimeters (4.9 feet) (females) or 140 centimeters (4.6 feet) (males) in length. It has a small body with an unusually tall, triangular dorsal fin, a rounded head, and no distinguished beak. The coloration is mostly grey with a darker back and a white ventral field. Prominent black patches surround its lips and eyes. Sexual dimorphism is apparent in body size, with mature females being longer than males and having larger heads and wider flippers. Northern vaquitas are generalists, foraging on a variety of demersal fish species, crustaceans, and squids, and is a more generalist feeder than the southern vaquita subspecies. Northern vaquitas are generally seen alone or in pairs, often with a calf, but have been observed in small groups of up to 10 individuals. Life expectancy is estimated at about 30 years and age of sexual maturity is between 3 and 4 years of age. Northern vaquitas can reproduce annually. Northern vaquitas have a polygynous mating system in which males compete for females. The conservation status of the northern vaquita is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the northern vaquita's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii