Long-finned Pilot Whale

Globicephala melas

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Cetacea · Delphinidae

About

The long-finned pilot whale or pothead whale is a large species of oceanic dolphin. It shares the genus Globicephala with the short-finned pilot whale. Long-finned pilot whales are known as such because of their unusually long pectoral fins.

Fun Fact

Long-finned pilot whales have the largest brain-to-body-size ratio of any cetacean after humans, and they live in stable matrilineal pods where grandmothers help raise calves — similar to orcas and elephants.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Deep open waters

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

35-60 years

Threats

Human-Wildlife Conflict
Climate Change

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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