Mesoplodon densirostris (Blainville, 1817)

Densebeak whale

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

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Mesoplodon densirostris (Blainville, 1817)

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Mesoplodon densirostris (de Blainville, 1817)
Mesoplodon densirostris (de Blainville, 1817)

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Overview

Biology

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Found in groups of three to seven, Blainville's beaked whale both avoids and approaches boats. It performs shallow dives, as well as deeper dives lasting up to 45 minutes. On surfacing, the beak appears first, pointing vertically upwards, and after taking a breath, the beak is slapped against the water surface. The whale has also been noted as rolling slightly before diving (2). It feeds on fish and squid (8), locating its prey by echolocation (9). Nothing is known of its reproductive biology, although calves have been seen in spring (2).
"Mesoplodon densirostris (Blainville, 1817)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328568". Accessed 22 Mar 2010.