Pygmy sperm whale

Description

The pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) is one of three species of toothed whale in the sperm whale family.They are not often sighted at sea,and most of what is known about them comes from the examination of stranded specimens.The pygmy sperm whale is not much larger than many dolphins.They are about 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) at birth,growing to about 3.5 m (11 ft) at maturity.Adults weigh about 400 kg (880 lb).The underside is a creamy,occasionally pinkish colour and the back and sides are a bluish grey;however,considerable intermixing occurs between the two colours.The shark-like head is large in comparison to body size,given an almost swollen appearance when viewed from the side.A whitish marking,often described as a "false gill",is seen behind each eye.The lower jaw is very small and slung low.The blowhole is displaced slightly to the left when viewed from above facing forward.The dorsal fin is very small and hooked;its size is considerably smaller than that of the dwarf sperm whale and may be used for diagnostic purposes.