In the northern North Pacific Ocean, the Dall's porpoise is the most frequently encountered and probably most abundant small cetacean.

Brief Description:

• Typical full-grown length: up to 2.5 meters (8.25 feet)

• Color: strikingly black with well-defined white side (flank) and bely patches; also gray-white to white on the dorsal fin

• Shape of head: small with indistinct beak

• Dorsal (back): small, nearly triangular, and tipped with white

• Body: robust body, not streamlined in appearance

• Other distinguishing characteristics: very vigorous and fast swimmer; active bow-rider

• Habitat: subarctic (Pribilof Islands) to cold temperate (central Baja California)