Short-finned Pilot Whale
Short-finned Pilot Whale
Short-finned Pilot Whale
The short-finned pilot whale, a species of oceanic dolphin, roams the deep waters of tropical and temperate seas around the world. Known for their short pectoral fins and bulbous heads, these highly social creatures often form massive pods. Reaching lengths of up to 23 feet (7 meters), they are deep-diving predators that primarily feed on squid and fish. Let's explore the fascinating world of the short-finned pilot whale, their complex social interactions, and the challenges they face in today's oceans.
Short-finned Pilot Whale Basic Infomation
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Globicephala macrorhynchus |
| Taxonomic Status | ACCEPTED |
| Rank | SPECIES |
| Vernacular Names | Short-finned Pilot Whale |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Cetartiodactyla |
| Family | Delphinidae |
| Genus | Globicephala |
| Habitats | Tropical and temperate oceans |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Habitat
Short-finned pilot whales inhabit the deep waters of tropical and temperate oceans worldwide, and are frequently observed in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Size and Weight
Adults can reach up to 23 feet (7 meters) in length and weigh approximately 6,600 pounds (3 tons).
Physical Characteristics
They have a distinctive black coloration, short pectoral fins, and a bulbous head. The tips of their flippers are rounded, which distinguishes them from other pilot whales.
Diet
They primarily feed on deep-sea squid and fish.
Ecology
They are highly social animals, forming large pods that can number in the hundreds.
Lifespan
Their average lifespan is about 45 years.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies short-finned pilot whales as 'Least Concern', but bycatch from fisheries is a concern.
Short-finned Pilot Whale Q&A
What are the distinctive physical characteristics of the short-finned pilot whale?
Short-finned pilot whales are characterized by their black coloration, short pectoral fins, and bulbous heads.
What do short-finned pilot whales eat?
They primarily feed on deep-sea squid and fish.
[Quiz!] Why do short-finned pilot whales mass strand?
Mass strandings, where large groups of whales beach themselves, are a concerning phenomenon observed in short-finned pilot whales. While the exact reasons are not fully understood, several theories exist:
• Echolocation Errors: Their echolocation, used for navigation, may malfunction in shallow waters, leading them to accidentally strand.
• Following the Leader: Their strong social bonds and tendency to follow a leader can result in mass strandings if the leader gets disoriented or stranded.
• Other Contributing Factors: Illness, injury, geomagnetic anomalies, and panic induced by human activities or natural events can also contribute to strandings.
Mass strandings are a serious threat to these whales and require immediate rescue efforts and further research to understand and mitigate the causes.
[Quiz!] What is the conservation status of the short-finned pilot whale?
The IUCN classifies the short-finned pilot whale as 'Least Concern.' However, they face threats from bycatch.
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Short-finned Pilot Whale Type of List
Other dolphin species include the long-finned pilot whale and the orca.
- Long-finned pilot whale
- Orca
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Short-finned Pilot Whale
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Short-finned Pilot Whale References
Short-finned Pilot Whale Introduction of media used
Foto: Martina Nolte
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Short-finned Pilot Whale
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