WildlifeOfEverywhere.com
‹ Back

Blainville's Beaked Whale

Whales, Dolphins & Dugong

Photo: NOAA Photo Library · Public domain

Mesoplodon densirostris

Basic stats

Diet

Squid, small fish and cephalopods, caught by suction

Habitat

Deep offshore water at 200–1,000m, near steep underwater structures

Size

Males at least 4.4m; females at least 4.6m

Weight

Males at least 800kg; females at least 1 tonne

Blainville's beaked whale, or the dense-beaked whale, is believed to be the widest-ranging Mesoplodon beaked whale. Males reach at least 4.4 m and 800 kg and females at least 4.6 m and one tonne, and calves are about 1.9 m and 60 kg at birth. It is dark bluish grey on top and lighter below, with a head that can be brownish shading to light grey around the lip and jaw. Animals may carry white oval scars, possibly from cookie-cutter sharks, and adult males also long white scratch scars (Wikipedia, general species account).

It inhabits deep offshore water at 200–1,000 m and is associated with steep underwater structures. It feeds mainly on squid and small fish by suction rather than biting, in groups averaging about four animals, and there is no evidence of seasonal migration. It stays silent for up to 80% of the time.

Quick answers

What does the Blainville's Beaked Whale eat?
Squid, small fish and cephalopods, caught by suction
What habitat does the Blainville's Beaked Whale live in?
Deep offshore water at 200–1,000m, near steep underwater structures
How big is the Blainville's Beaked Whale?
Males at least 4.4m; females at least 4.6m
How much does the Blainville's Beaked Whale weigh?
Males at least 800kg; females at least 1 tonne
📷 Upload a photo of this species
🏠Home 🐾Species 🗺️Places 📋Planner 📷Sightings 🔍Search