VAQUITA

**VAQUITA..**

By NICK

====The Vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a very rare species of Porpoise. Many are found in the Gulf of California and it is estimated that 100 to 300 individuals are left alive. ==== FACT: the word VAQUITA is Spanish for Little Cow. The Vaquita has a classic porpoise shape (stocky and curved into a star shape when viewed from the side). It is the smallest of the porpoises and those amongst the smallest of all cetaceans. Individuals may grow up to 150 cm (4.92 ft) in length and weigh up to 50kg (110.2 lb). They have large black eye rings and lip patches. The upper side of the body is medium to dark grey. The underside is off-white to light grey but the demarcation between the sides is indistinct. The flippers are proportionately larger than in other phocoenids and the fin is taller and more falcate. The skull is smaller and the rostrum is shorter and broader than in other members of the genus.

They live in shallow, lagoons. They are rarely spotted in water deeper than 30 metres i ndeed, it can survive in lagoons so shallow that its back protrudes above the surface. Other characteristics of its habitat are strong tidal mixing, convection processes and high primary and secondary productivity.

All of the 17 fish species found in vaquita stomachs can be classified as demersal and or benethic species inhabiting relatively shallow water in the upper Gulf of California, and it appears that the vaquita is a rather non-selective feeder on small fishes and [|s] quids in this zone.