Vaquita - Ecology & Habitat
Squid, crab and fish for breakfast
Vaquitas are found in the open sea, and shallows areas less than 6 m deep at low tide, including sea bays and straits.
Social StructureThe species is usually seen alone or in groups of 2 to 4 individuals, although groups of up to 10 animals have been reported. Being elusive by nature, the vaquita is difficult to observe.
Life Cycle
Little is known about the age at which vaquitas reach sexual maturity, their longevity, reproductive cycle or their population dynamics. Some estimates of these data have been made, however, based on stranded animals, animals tangled in nets and sightings at sea.
Information obtained from other species of porpoises has also been used to try to understand their life cycle. It is thought that vaquitas reach sexual maturity at around six years of age. The female has only one calf in the spring, probably every two years or more. It is believed that vaquitas live up to 22 years.
Breeding
Reproduction takes place in spring or summer, with births following around spring. A female probably produces 1 calf every two years after a gestation period estimated at 11 months, and the young are nursed from 6 to 8 months.
Diet
This cetacean is reported to feed on squid, croakers, fish and crabs among others.