A large dark cetacean named for swimming in tight family groups. Lives in matrilineal pods of 15-30 individuals.

Also called: Short-finned Pilot Whale

Native status: Native to tropical/subtropical oceans

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 4.5–7 m males; 3.6–5 m females
Weight1.0–2.5 tonnes
LifespanWild 35–60 years
OrderCetacea
FamilyDelphinidae

§ Encyclopedia

Pilot whales are cetaceans belonging to the genus Globicephala. The two extant species are the long-finned pilot whale and the short-finned pilot whale. The two are not readily distinguishable at sea, and analysis of the skulls is the best way to distinguish between the species. Between the two species, they range nearly worldwide, with long-finned pilot whales living in colder waters and short-finned pilot whales living in tropical and subtropical waters. Pilot whales are among the largest of the oceanic dolphins, exceeded in size only by the orca. They and other large members of the dolphin family are also known as blackfish.

Source: Wikipedia — Pilot whale Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large dark cetacean with bulbous "melon" head; small recurved dorsal fin; shorter pectoral fins than long-finned species.

Similar species. Long-finned Pilot Whale (cold waters). False Killer Whale.

Voice. Complex vocalizations.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Squid, fish.

Behavior. Warm-water pilot whale species. Common in tropical/subtropical seas.

§ Range

Atlantic and Pacific tropical/subtropical waters

§ Habitat

Open ocean

§ Threats

Pollution, bycatch in commercial fisheries, mass strandings.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the pilot whale (short-finned) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support marine mammal protection. Reduce ocean plastic.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • NOAA Fisheries
  • American Cetacean Society
  • IUCN Red List 2018