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Pygmy Killer Whale

Whales, Dolphins & Dugong

Photo: (c) River Ahlquist, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY

Feresa attenuata

Basic stats

Habitat

Deeper water, about 500–2,000m

Range

Warm oceans worldwide

The pygmy killer whale is a poorly known, rarely seen oceanic dolphin and the only species in its genus. It shares some features with the orca, but it is dark grey to black on the cape with a sharp change to lighter grey on the sides. The flesh around the lips and end of the snout is white, and unlike in the false killer whale the white extends back onto the face. In calm water the small bow wave in front of the face looks like a bottle from a distance (Wikipedia, general species account).

It is found mainly in deeper water, about 500–2,000 m, in warm oceans. It is seen in groups of 4 to 30 or more, and social bonds between individuals can last up to 15 years. It moves slowly, at about 3 km/h. It is the smallest cetacean with the word 'whale' in its common name.

Quick answers

What habitat does the Pygmy Killer Whale live in?
Deeper water, about 500–2,000m
Where is the Pygmy Killer Whale found?
Warm oceans worldwide
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