Whales

Many have been interested in the Northern Right Whale, one of which was currently brought to our beaches for a necropsy. Here is a brief video from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution about this endangered species and its potential future:

[Click on images to see larger shot]

Short-Finned Pilot Whale

Prey: Primarily squid and fish; ideally consumes approximately 5% of body weight per day

Weight: 1-4 tons

Length: Newborn- 4.75-6.25 feet (1.4-1.9 m)

Range: Found in the northern and southern hemispheres, primarily in the warmer waters.

Threats: hunting/whaling, entanglement n fishing nets

Behavior: They will occasionally allow boats to approach them. They will rarely breach but may be seen surfing on ocean swells. Their dives may last up to 10 minutes or longer. When they come up to breath their blow may be seen in good conditions and adults typically only show the top half of their body when they surface.

Pygmy Sperm Whale

Prey: Squid or octopus, krill or other crustaceans, fish

Adult weight: 695-880 pounds (55 kg)

Length: Newborn- 4 feet (1.2 m) | Adult- 9-11.25 feet (2.7- 3.4 m)

Threats: unknown

Range: Deep temperate, subtropical and tropical water beyond the continental shelf

Behavior: Pygmy Sperm whales rise slowly to the surface and, unlike most small whales, they drop out of sight. Occasionally they will breach. They are not very sociable animals so it is rare to see them approach a boat.  Pygmy Sperm whales can exude a dense, dark reddish brown fluid when they are startled or in distress.  This fluid will cloud the water, much like  the ink release of the squid that they eat.

Northern Bottlenose Whale

Prey: Squid or octopus, fish and invertebrates

Adult weight: 5.8-7.5 tons

Length: Newborn- 9.25- 11.5 feet (3-3.5 m) | Adult- 23- 29.5 feet (7-9m)

Threats: pollution, human disturbance

Range: Northern Atlantic Ocean, lives in water that is usually deeper than 3,280 feet deep

Behavior: This typically North Atlantic species is rarely observed by humans. They live in the deepest depths of the ocean, frequenting the canyons and submarine trenches.  Their bulbous helmet like skull affords protection from water pressure during their deep dives. They have been reported to dive for 1 to 2 hours but typically dive for only 14 to 70 minutes. When they rise to breath the blow is bushy and can be 6 ½ feet (1-2 m) high. Very rarely will they breach but they have been seen lobtailing.

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