Mammal

Narrow-ridged Finless Porpoise

Neophocaena asiaeorientalis

Also known as Yangtze Finless Porpoise, Jiangtun, Yangtze River Porpoise

Yangtze finless porpoises navigate the murky currents of China's longest river using extraordinarily sharp echolocation rather than visual sight. Lacking a dorsal fin, their smooth dark grey backs roll through river bends and connected floodplain lakes where mothers nurse calves for up to a year. Known locally as the river pig for their rounded faces and expressive mouthlines, these freshwater cetaceans depend entirely on healthy fish stocks and quiet waterways.

FreshwaterCritically EndangeredAquatic Mammal

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Huangdan2060 / CC BY 3.0 · cc-by

—observations

—countries

—peak records

EndangeredConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preySmall Fish, Shrimp, River Crabs

ThreatsBoat traffic, illegal fishing gear, water pollution, dam construction

HabitatsFreshwater rivers, lakes, and connected tributaries

Life span10–30 years

Classification

FamilyPhocoenidae
SpeciesNeophocaena asiaeorientalis

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Look for a smooth, dark grey, finless back surfacing gently in river channels and connected lakes.
Support conservation: Maintain a respectful distance on watercraft and avoid creating excessive motor noise or wake.

Responsible observation

Observation: Watch quietly from designated riverbanks or eco-tour vessels without causing wake disturbances.
Boat Operation: Reduce boat speeds and cut engine power when aquatic mammals are spotted nearby.
Conservation Support: Avoid buying illegally harvested river fish to help preserve the porpoise's food supply.

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