A large dark cetacean closely related to short-finned pilot whale. Lives in colder northern waters.

Also called: Long-finned Pilot Whale, Pothead Whale

Native status: Native to cold open oceans

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 4.5–7 m males; 3.6–5.5 m females
Weight1.4–2.6 tonnes
LifespanWild 35–55 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; long pectoral fins.

Similar species. Short-finned Pilot Whale (warmer waters; shorter pectoral fins). False Killer Whale.

Voice. Complex whistles and clicks.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Squid, fish.

Behavior. Cold-water pilot whale species; closely related to short-finned pilot whale. Found in deep cold ocean waters.

§ Range

Atlantic; North Atlantic populations

§ Habitat

Cold open ocean

§ Threats

Climate change, marine pollution.

§ Conservation status

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

§ What helps

Support cold-water marine conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

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