Dense-beaked Whale
Mesoplodon densirostris
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Cetacea · Hyperoodontidae
About
Blainville's beaked whale, or the dense-beaked whale, is believed to be the widest ranging mesoplodont whale. The French zoologist Henri de Blainville first described the species in 1817 from a small piece of jaw—the heaviest bone he had ever come across—which resulted in the name densirostris. Off the northeastern Bahamas, the animals are particularly well documented, and a photo identification project started sometime after 2002.
Fun Fact
The French zoologist Henri de Blainville first described the species in 1817 from a small piece of jaw—the heaviest bone he had ever come across—which resulted in the name densirostris (Latin for "dense beak").
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in tropical and warm waters in all oceans, and is considered to be the most extensively distributed member of Mesoplodon genus.
Diet
Prey abundance when males follow females to increase mating opportunity == Behavior == === Foraging === This species feeds primarily on squid and small fish and cephalopods.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance