Ziphius cavirostris G. Cuvier, 1823

Cuvier's beaked whale

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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Ziphius cavirostris G. Cuvier, 1823

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Ziphius cavirostris Cuvier, 1823
Ziphius cavirostris Cuvier, 1823
Mesoplodon bidens (Sowerby, 1804)
Ziphius cavirostris Cuvier, 1823
Ziphius cavirostris Cuvier, 1823

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Overview

Biology

Source and Additional Information
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ARKive external link
Copyright
Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Citation

Very seldom seen at sea, almost everything known about Cuvier's beaked dolphin is based on studies of stranded animals (2) (5) (7). Consequently very little is known about the behaviour and ecology of this elusive species. Nonetheless, recent studies using digital tags are beginning to shed light on its extraordinary foraging habits. In particular, this species has been recorded diving to depths of nearly 1,900 metres, the deepest dives ever reported for any air-breathing mammal. Leaving the surface for up to 85 minutes at a time, the whales use echolocation to hunt prey in the lightless depths (6). Very little analysis has been undertaken on the stomach contents of this species, but deep sea-squid are thought to be the main source of food, with fish, and, to a lesser extent, crustaceans, also being taken (1) (2) (5). Although often seen alone, groups of two to seven whales are most common (5) (7). Its inconspicuousness at sea is jointly attributed to its low, diffuse blow and its tendency to avoid vessels (2). The lifespan of Cuvier's beaked whale is thought to be at least 25 years (5).
"Ziphius cavirostris G. Cuvier, 1823". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328552". Accessed 19 Mar 2010.