Kogia breviceps, Pygmy Sperm Whale [+]

Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Class Mammalia Order Cetacea Family Kogiidae Genus Kogia species: Kogia breviceps [+ITIS +WoRMS]

← Previous Photo | Next Photo →

Description & Behavior

The pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps (Blainville, 1838), is a small cetacean with a stocky body that narrows on the posterior end of the body behind the dorsal fin. Adults measure 3-4.25 m in length and weight a maximum of 408 kg.

This whale has 12-16 sharp, curved pairs of teeth in the lower jaw. The teeth fit into pockets in the upper jaw (like its "big brother" the sperm whale, Physeter catodon). Pygmy sperm whales have a mark on either side of the head known as a "false gill" because of its resemblance to the gill slits of fish (which it shares with the closely-related dwarf sperm whale). They also have markings in front of the eyes. The blowhole is found on the posterior end of the dorsal side before they eyes left of center. These whales expel water forward and horizontally instead of up vertically. Pygmy sperm whales are blue-gray to black on the dorsal side, with lighter coloring on the ventral side. The large, rounded flippers are located on the flanks behind and below the "false gill." A very small, curved dorsal fin is located behind the midsection. The flukes are almost dolphin-like with a deep notch in the center.

Pygmy sperm whales are found either singly or in small groups of 3-5. They are infrequently seen in the wild as they avoid marine traffic. Strandings are found on coasts in the southeastern United States, some are found alive either single individuals or cows with their calf. Attempts to rescue stranded pygmy sperm whales have been unsuccessful.

World Range & Habitat

Pygmy sperm whales, Kogia breviceps, may be found in all temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical waters. They are not known to migrate. Population figures are unknown, but they are not considered endangered.

» GBIF occurrence data in Google Earth [Tips] | Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) (World Distribution) [about]

Feeding Behavior (Ecology)

The pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps, feeds on octopus, squid, crab, fish, and shrimp.

Life History

Male pygmy sperm whales, Kogia breviceps, sexually mature at 2.7-3 m, females at 2.6-2.7 m. There is some evidence that these whales reproduce annually; calving takes place between spring and autumn following an 11 month gestation period. Calves measure about 1.2 m at birth and weigh about 55 kg.