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Cuvier's Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris)⤢ Full sizeLeast Concern

Photo: Charlotte Kirchner · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Least Concern

Cuvier's Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

About This Species

Length5.1-6.9m
Weight2-3.5 tons

The most widely distributed and commonly observed beaked whale, reaching 5.1-6.9m length and 2-3.5 tons. Notable for extreme diving abilities with records of 2,992m depth and 222 minutes duration. Males develop distinctive light/white coloration on head extending posteriorly with age, while females remain darker. Found in all temperate and tropical oceans in deep waters >300m, feeding primarily on cephalopods and some fish.