| The dwarf sperm whale is similar to the pygmy sperm whale, but is smaller and has a larger, taller dorsal fin, higher on its back, that looks like the dorsal fin of a bottlenose dolphin. Dwarf sperm whales live in small social groups. There are groups of females with calves; groups of males and females without calves; and groups of young whales who are not yet sexually mature. A form of defensive behavior called “inking” has been seen in both species of Kogia. To escape danger, the whale excretes a cloud of reddish-brown feces and then dives out of sight. Most other information has come from dissecting individuals who stranded and died. Squid, fish, crustaceans - and plastic bags - have been found in their stomachs.
Length:
Range:
2.1-2.7 m
Weight:
Range:
136-272 kg
References:
Owen, R., 1866. On some Indian cetacea collected by Walter Elliot, Esq. Trans. Zool. Soc., 6:30. London, 6:17-47.
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
|
|
