Melon-headed Whale
Peponocephala electra
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Cetacea · Delphinidae
About
The melon-headed whale, also known less commonly as the electra dolphin, little killer whale, or many-toothed blackfish, is a toothed whale of the oceanic dolphin family (Delphinidae). The common name is derived from the head shape. Melon-headed whales are widely distributed throughout deep tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, but they are rarely encountered at sea. They are found near shore mostly around oceanic islands, such as Hawaii, French Polynesia, and the Philippines.
Fun Fact
Melon-headed whales are one of the smallest species of cetacean (after pygmy killer whales) to have the word 'whale' in their common name.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Occur in deep tropical/subtropical oceanic waters, between 40°N and 35°S.
Diet
Feed on plankton.
Lifespan
45 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance