Dwarf sperm whale

Habitat: Prefers deep water.

Description: Knowledge of this species is rudimentary. Brownish grey, white or pinkish belly. Similar to pygmy sperm whale; triangular or squarish head, narrow underslung lower jaw, small, robust body that rapers behind dorsal fin. Head shape and 'false gill' markings give a shark-like appearance. Has a pair of short throat grooves. Flippers are small with blunt tips, situated close to head.

Size: around 2.5 m

Weight: -

Lifespan: -

Distribution: Appears to be more restricted to tropical and subtropical seas than the pygmy dwarf whale. One UK record of a live animal that came ashore in Cornwall in October 2011; it was successfully refloated.

Identification

Proportionately larger and more erect dorsal fin than that of pygmy sperm whale and located nearer the middle of the back, giving an overall dolphin-like appearance. Blowhole is also located furhter forward, generally less than 10% of the distance from the tip of the snout.