long-finned pilot whale
Quick Summary
The long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) is a species of toothed whale belonging to the dolphin family Delphinidae. These whales are characterized by a rounded, bulging forehead, a short snout, and slender flippers. They are found in oceans worldwide, except for the Arctic and tropical waters.
Pilot whales typically grow to be 4–6 meters (13–20 feet) long, with males being larger than females. Their coloration is generally black, sometimes with a pale, anchor-shaped mark on the throat and chest. These are highly social animals, living in pods that can range from dozens to thousands of individuals. Their primary food source is squid. Female long-finned pilot whales have an average lifespan of about 50 years, while males average around 46 years. Pilot whales are also known for mass stranding, where entire groups beach themselves, though the cause remains unclear.1
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