Wildlifeof China
Blainville's Beaked Whale
Whales, Dolphins & Dugong
Photo: NOAA Photo Library · Public domain
Mesoplodon densirostris
Basic stats
Diet
Squid, cephalopods and small deep-water fish
Habitat
Deep offshore water associated with steep submarine terrain
Range
Tropical and warm waters of all oceans
Size
Males at least 4.4m; females at least 4.6m
Weight
Males up to 800kg; females up to 1,000kg
Blainville's beaked whale is a robust, laterally compressed beaked whale whose exceptionally dense rostral bones inspired the name densirostris. Adult males have an arched lower jaw bearing two exposed teeth, often carrying barnacles, and commonly show long pale scars. The species inhabits tropical and warm waters worldwide, principally in deep offshore areas near steep submarine structures. (Wikipedia, general species account)
It suction-feeds on squid, other cephalopods and small deep-water fish. Foraging dives commonly exceed 800m and may last 48–68 minutes, with recorded depths beyond 1,400m. Animals usually travel in small cohesive groups and spend much of their time silent, especially near the surface. (Wikipedia, general species account)
Quick answers
- What does the Blainville's Beaked Whale eat?
- Squid, cephalopods and small deep-water fish
- What habitat does the Blainville's Beaked Whale live in?
- Deep offshore water associated with steep submarine terrain
- Where is the Blainville's Beaked Whale found?
- Tropical and warm waters of all oceans
- How big is the Blainville's Beaked Whale?
- Males at least 4.4m; females at least 4.6m
- How much does the Blainville's Beaked Whale weigh?
- Males up to 800kg; females up to 1,000kg