Species MammalsShort-finned Pilot Whale

Short-finned Pilot Whale

Globicephala macrorhynchus

UncommonMammal
Illustration of Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus)

The Short-finned Pilot Whale is the warm-water counterpart of the long-finned pilot whale, distinguished by its shorter pectoral fins and preference for tropical and subtropical seas. Large pods of 15 to 30 animals are common, and multiple extended family groups often join temporarily in 'superpods.' Pilot whales have one of the most complex social systems documented in cetaceans.

Habitat
Warm offshore tropical and subtropical ocean waters
Diet
Squid and medium-sized fish
How common
Uncommon

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