Mammals diurnal

Burmeister's Porpoise

Phocoena spinipinnis

Often called the 'black porpoise,' the Burmeister's Porpoise is a shy, shadowy phantom of the South American coastline. Discover how to spot this elusive marine mammal from the shore with its unique rear-set dorsal fin and subtle surface roll.

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Quick Identification

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Size

1.5 to 2.0 meters (4.9 to 6.6 feet) in length; typically weighs between 50 to 85 kg (110 to 187 lbs)

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Colors

Dark charcoal grey to nearly black across the back, fading to a lighter pale grey or white on the underside. Subtle 'chin strap' marking and darker patches around the eyes.

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Key Features

Low, triangular dorsal fin positioned far back on the tail half
Small bumps (tubercles) on the leading edge of the dorsal fin
Blunt, rounded head without a distinct beak
Small, robust body shape that looks very dark at the surface

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM when coastal winds are lowest

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Season Year-round, with increased sightings from December to March

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Diet Primarily opportunistic feeders focusing on small schooling fish like anchovies and hake, as well as squid and various crustaceans found along the seabed.

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Habitat Shallow coastal waters, including bays, estuaries, and nearshore kelp forests along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South America.

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Behavior

Burmeister's Porpoise is famously known as the "shy porpoise" of the South American coast. Unlike their more energetic dolphin cousins, they rarely leap or bow-ride with boats. Instead, they exhibit a very low-profile swimming style, often rolling gently at the surface to breathe without creating a splash, which makes them quite difficult to spot unless the water is glassy and calm.

They are generally found in small pods of two to eight individuals, though larger aggregations sometimes form around rich feeding grounds. They are highly sensitive to underwater noise, which is why they tend to steer clear of human activity and motorized vessels. Their social structure is loosely understood, but they appear to have strong maternal bonds and a high degree of site fidelity in certain bays.

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Camera Tips

Because Burmeister's Porpoises are marine mammals, capturing them requires a different approach than typical terrestrial wildlife. If you live along the South American coast, the best "trail camera" is actually a tripod-mounted, motion-triggered DSLR or a high-end action camera positioned on a stable pier, balcony, or coastal cliff looking down into the water. Aim your camera toward kelp forests or areas where the tide brings in schooling fish, as these are their favorite foraging spots.

Standard PIR (passive infrared) motion sensors used on land won't work through water or over long distances, so you should use "Pixel Change" detection software or a high-frequency "Time-Lapse" mode. Set your interval to capture a frame every 2-5 seconds during the golden hours of dawn and dusk. Because these porpoises have a very low profile and dark skin, you’ll need a fast shutter speed (at least 1/1000s) to freeze the motion of their dorsal fin when they break the surface, otherwise, they will look like a dark, blurry smudge.

Polarizing filters are essential for your camera lens to cut through the ocean's surface glare and see the dark shapes beneath the waves. Positioning is everything; place your camera at a height that looks down onto the water rather than straight across it. This high angle reduces the impact of waves blocking your view. If you are using a waterproof housing for an underwater setup, focus on rocky reef edges where the current is steady. Since they avoid engine noise, don't try to get "closer" with a boat; instead, use a telephoto lens (300mm+) to maintain a respectful distance while getting high-quality, frame-filling shots.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Burmeister's Porpoise.

Franciscana

The Franciscana has an extremely long, thin beak and is a lighter brownish-grey, whereas the Burmeister's has a blunt head and darker charcoal color.

Spectacled Porpoise

Spectacled Porpoises have a much larger, rounded dorsal fin and a very distinct white belly that contrasts sharply with their black back.

Frequently Asked Questions

They are primarily active during the day, with peak sightings occurring during the early morning and late afternoon when the water surface is calmest, making their low-profile breathing rolls easier to see.

Since they are marine animals, you cannot attract them with food like garden wildlife. However, protecting local kelp forests and reducing noise pollution from boat engines can encourage them to frequent coastal waters near your property.

Their diet consists of small pelagic fish like anchovies and hake, along with squid and various shrimp or crustaceans found near the seafloor.

They are endemic to the coastal regions of South America. If you live near the shore in countries like Chile, Peru, or Argentina, they are frequent but overlooked residents of suburban bays and estuaries.

Look for the dorsal fin position; a Burmeister's Porpoise has a low, triangular fin located much further back toward the tail than a dolphin. They also lack the elongated 'beak' or snout seen on most dolphin species.

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