DWARF SPERM WHALE
Kogia Sima
Order
Odontoceti
Family
Kogiidae
These sperm whales measure between 2.1 and 2.7 meters and weigh between 135 and 270 kg.
They are carnivores and primarily feed on cephalopods. They are capable of diving to depths of up to 900 meters.
Dwarf sperm whales live in temperate to tropical waters, and they are often observed from the edge of the continental shelf, offshore.
Sexual maturity is reached between 3 and 5 years. Females can give birth to a calf after a gestation period of 9 to 12 months.
- Source : AGOA
Head
Small, short and square snout, small lower mandibles, blowhole displaced to the left, clear mark called 'false gill' possible between the eye and the pectoral, small grooves on the throat.
Dorsal Fin & Fins
Centered dorsal, short pectorals with pointed tips, very pointed caudal.
Blow
Invisible.
Swimming sequence
Arcs the body before diving vertically without exposing its tail fin, rarely jumps.
Coloration
Dorsal side gray-brown, gray-blue to black, ventral side light gray or rosy white.