Species › Mammals › Cuvier's Beaked Whale

Cuvier's Beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris

RareMammal
Illustration of Cuvier's Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris)

Cuvier's Beaked Whale holds the mammalian dive record, with documented dives exceeding 9,800 feet and lasting nearly 4 hours. It is the most widespread and commonly stranded beaked whale in the world, yet is rarely observed alive at sea due to its deep, offshore habitat. Adult males bear two prominent tusk-like teeth at the tip of the lower jaw and accumulate extensive scarring from intraspecific combat.

Habitat
Deep offshore oceanic waters along continental slopes
Diet
Deep-sea squid and fish
How common
Rare

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