Muc Mhara
Harbour porpoise fins
Harbour porpoise fins
Copyright Simon Berrow;Courtesy of the IWDGHarbour porpoise fins
Copyright Simon Berrow;Courtesy of the IWDG
Copyright Simon Berrow;Courtesy of the IWDG
Harbour porpoise fins
Harbour porpoise fins
Copyright Simon Berrow;Courtesy of the IWDGThe harbour porpoise is very common in Ireland. It likes to stay close to the coast. It is sometimes called the 'sea pig'. This comes from its Irish name muc mhara.
The harbour porpoise has a small round nose. It has a dark grey colour across its back. Its belly is a whiter colour. It has a very small fin on its back.
Harbour Porpoise
Harbour Porpoise
Copyright Simon Berrow;Courtesy of the IWDGHarbour Porpoise
Copyright Simon Berrow;Courtesy of the IWDG
Copyright Simon Berrow;Courtesy of the IWDG
Harbour Porpoise
Harbour Porpoise
Copyright Simon Berrow;Courtesy of the IWDGMost harbour porpoises grow to about 1.5 metres long. They eat smaller fish, like sand eels, mackerel, crabs and lobsters.
The harbour porpoise is very different to the dolphin. It is very shy. It won't usually swim up to boats or follow them.