GERVAIS' BEAKED WHALE
Mesoplodon Europaeus
Order
Odontoceti
Family
Ziphiidae
Gervais' beaked whales, also known as Gervais' Mesoplodons, live up to around 27 years, measure between 4 and 7 meters, and weigh between 600 and 800 kg. They are carnivores and consume fish, crustaceans, and primarily squid, which they hunt at great depths.
It is a pelagic species, they live offshore and frequent the warm temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Scientists have little information about the reproduction of Gervais' beaked whales. It seems that females may give birth every three years and reach sexual maturity when they attain a size of about 4.5 meters.
- Source : AGOA
Head
Eye surrounded by black, no demarcation between melon and beak, the male has two small teeth protruding from the lower jaw (just like the male of the Cuvier's beaked whale).
Dorsal Fin & Fins
Small triangular dorsal fin, located on the last third of the body, short pectoral fins, and a concave tail at the center.
Coloration
Coat beige to brown, darker dorsal line.
