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| Query: Sperm whale | Result: 38th of 133 | |
Kogia sima, Dwarf sperm whale
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Upload Date: 2008:02:10 13:10:28
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CMS: Kogia sima, Dwarf sperm whale
4. Biology and Behaviour
Habitat
: The Dwarf Sperm Whale is an inconspicuous animal and
generally lives a long way from shore (Jefferson et al. 1993). Rarely
seen at sea, except in extremely calm conditions, it is the smallest
of the whales and is even smaller than some dolphins. Predominantly
a deep-water species, possibly concentrated over the edge of the continental
shelf (closer to shore than the Pygmy Sperm Whale). Appears to prefer
warmer waters (Carwardine, 1995).
Photo: Robert L. Pitman
Behaviour
: Rises to the surface slowly and deliberately
and, unlike most other small whales (which roll forward at the surface),
simply drops out of sight. Probably does not approach boats. May
occasionally breach; leaping vertically out of the water and falling
back tail-first or with a belly flop. Some records suggest that,
when resting at the surface, it floats lower in the water than the
Pygmy Sperm Whale. Probably dives to depths of at least 300m (Carwardine,
1995).
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