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{{Needs work|Problem=see discussion page.}}[[File:Vaquita2 Olson NOAA.jpg|alt=The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a critically endangered porpoise species endemic to the northern part of the Gulf of California.|thumb|The vaquita (''Phocoena sinus'') is a critically endangered porpoise species endemic to the northern part of the Gulf of California.]]
The '''vaquita''' (''Phocoena sinus'') is a rare and endangered species of porpoise that lives only in a small area of the Gulf of California, Mexico. It is the smallest and most threatened cetacean in the world, with an estimated 10 individuals remaining in the wild.<ref>[https://porpoise.org/knowledge-base/how-many-vaquitas-are-left-in-the-world/ How many Vaquitas are left in the world in 2023?] Porpoise Conservation Society</ref> The main cause of their decline is bycatch in illegal fishing nets set for another endangered fish, the totoaba, whose swim bladder is highly valued in China.

A vaquita is a type of porpoise, which is a group of small toothed whales that are closely related to dolphins. The word "vaquita" means "little cow" in Spanish, and it refers to the dark rings around their eyes and mouth that resemble a cow's markings. Vaquitas have a gray body with a white belly, a triangular dorsal fin, and no distinct beak. They can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh up to 120 pounds, making them the smallest of all cetaceans.

Vaquitas are shy and elusive animals that are rarely seen by humans. They usually swim alone or in pairs, and sometimes form small groups of up to 10 individuals. They feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans that live near the bottom of the sea. They can dive up to 300 feet deep and hold their breath for up to 10 minutes. They communicate with each other using high-pitched clicks and whistles that are beyond the range of human hearing.

Vaquitas live only in a small area of the northern Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, between Baja California and mainland Mexico. This area is rich in biodiversity and supports many other marine species, such as whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, rays, and corals. The vaquita's habitat is characterized by shallow waters, strong currents, high salinity, and variable temperature.

Vaquitas prefer to stay close to shore, within 30 miles of the coast, and in water depths of less than 150 feet. They are most often found near two islands: Isla Cerralvo and Isla San Lorenzo. They have a very limited range of about 1,500 square miles, which makes them vulnerable to human activities and environmental changes.

Vaquitas are critically endangered, meaning they face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. According to the latest population estimate from 2019, there are only about 10 vaquitas left in the world. This represents a dramatic decline from about 600 vaquitas in 1997, when they were first recognized as endangered.