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Like orcas, the
long-finned pilot whale is not really a whale but actually a dolphin. It
is jet black or dark grey with a grey or white diagonal stripe behind each
eye, and a big round forehead (melon). They are sometimes known as the
pothead whale because the shape of their head reminded early whalers of
black cooking pots!
Field ID:
Stocky body, Bulbous melon , Single blowhole, Very long black flippers,
Black or dark grey colour, Backward-leaning fin, Fin set forward on body,
Frequently lobtails and spyhops, Prefers deep water.
Length (metres):
Male: 4 - 7.6m. Female: 3 - 5.6m. Newborn: 1.8 - 2m.
Weight:
Adult: 1.8 - 3.5 tonnes. Birthweight: 75kg.
Diet:
Squid and sometimes fish
Behavior:
They are very social, family animals and may travel in groups of up to 100
with one animal acting as leader. Long-finned pilot whales often strand
themselves on beaches - because they have strong family bonds, when one
animal strands the rest of the pod tend to follow.
They are very active and can often be seen lobtailing and spyhopping. The
younger ones also breach but this is rare in adults.
Pilot whales generally takes several breaths before diving for a few
minutes. Feeding dives, when they are looking for squid or fish, may last
for 10 minutes or more.
They are capable of diving to depths of 600m but most dives are 30 - 60m.
Fascinating Facts:
There are stories of pilot whales helping to rescue sailors trapped in
crippled submarines! Males are known to live for up to 46
years and females up to 60. |
