Pygmy Sperm Whale [Kogia breviceps]
Description
The Pygmy Sperm Whale is a small, toothed whale, reaching lengths of about 3.5 meters and weights up to 400 kilograms. They have a shark-like dorsal fin and a distinctive, underslung jaw. Pygmy Sperm Whales are deep divers, capable of reaching depths up to 1,000 meters. They are known for their unique defense mechanism of releasing a cloud of reddish-brown intestinal fluid when threatened. They are found throughout the world's temperate and tropical seas.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Mammals
Mammalia
|
| Order |
Cetaceans
Cetacea
|
| Family |
Sperm whales
Physeteridae
|
| Genus |
Sperm Whale
Physeter
|