Kogia sima (Owen, 1866)
Dwarf sperm whale
Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System
, T Orrell (custodian) in
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General Description
Description
Source and Additional Information
The dwarf sperm whale is similar to the pygmy sperm whale, but is smaller and has a larger, taller dorsal fin, higher on its back, that looks like the dorsal fin of a bottlenose dolphin. Dwarf sperm whales live in small social groups. There are groups of females with calves; groups of males and females without calves; and groups of young whales who are not yet sexually mature. A form of defensive behavior called “inking” has been seen in both species of Kogia. To escape danger, the whale excretes a cloud of reddish-brown feces and then dives out of sight. Most other information has come from dissecting individuals who stranded and died. Squid, fish, crustaceans - and plastic bags - have been found in their stomachs.
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
Links:
Mammal Species of the World
Click here for The American Society of Mammalogists species account
References
- Owen, R., 1866. On some Indian cetacea collected by Walter Elliot, Esq. Trans. Zool. Soc., 6:30. London, 6:17-47.
"Kogia sima (Owen, 1866)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328549". Accessed
30 Jul 2010.


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