Pygmy Sperm Whale

Kogia breviceps

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Cetacea · Kogiidae

About

The pygmy sperm whale is one of two extant species in the family Kogiidae in the sperm whale superfamily. They are not often sighted at sea, and most of what is known about them comes from the examination of stranded specimens.

Fun Fact

Pygmy sperm whales can eject a cloud of reddish-brown intestinal fluid when threatened, creating an 'ink screen' like a squid to confuse predators — the only cetacean known to use this defense.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Deep offshore waters

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

17-23 years

Threats

Shipping Traffic
Ocean Pollution

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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