Species › Mammals › Dwarf Sperm Whale

Dwarf Sperm Whale

Kogia sima

RareMammal
Illustration of Dwarf Sperm Whale (Kogia sima)

The Dwarf Sperm Whale is the smallest whale in the world, reaching only 9 feet in length, and like its pygmy relative releases a dark, ink-like fluid from its intestine when startled. It is one of the most frequently stranded small whales on Atlantic beaches despite being rarely observed alive at sea. Its underslung lower jaw and shark-like profile are distinctive features shared with the pygmy sperm whale.

Habitat
Warm offshore tropical and subtropical oceanic waters
Diet
Squid, fish, and deep-sea crustaceans
How common
Rare

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