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Title: Whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the western North Atlantic
a guide to their identification

Author: Stephen Leatherwood
David K. Caldwell
Howard Elliott Winn

Release date: August 25, 2010 [eBook #33527]

Language: English

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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND PORPOISES OF THE
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC ***

Transcriber's Notes:
A list of other publications (NOAA Technical Reports) appears on the front cover of the original book, before
the title page. This list has been retained, but has been moved (to here) to join the continuation of the list
inside the back cover.
Where typographical errors have been corrected in the text, these are listed at the end of the book.
Link to Table of Contents.

NOAA Technical Report NMFS CIRC-396

Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western
North Atlantic
A Guide to Their Identification
STEPHEN LEATHERWOOD, DAVID K. CALDWELL, and HOWARD E. WINN

with special assistance by
William E. Schevill and Melba C. Caldwell
SEATTLE, WA
AUGUST 1976

UNITED STATES NATIONAL OCEANIC AND National Marine
DEPARTMENT OF / ATMOSPHERIC / Fisheries Service
COMMERCE ADMINISTRATION Robert W. Schoning,
Elliot L. Richardson, Secretary Robert M. White, Administrator Director

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
Washington, D.C. 20402
Stock No. 003-020-00119-0 / Catalog No. C 55.13: NMFS CIRC-396

PREFACE

In March 1972, the Naval Undersea Center (NUC), San Diego, Calif. in cooperation with the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS), Tiburon, Calif. published a photographic field guide—The Whales, Dolphins and
Porpoises of the Eastern North Pacific. A Guide to Their Identification in the Water, by S. Leatherwood, W.E.
Evans, and D.W. Rice (NUC TP 282). This guide was designed to assist the layman in identifying the cetaceans he
encountered in that area and was intended for use in two ongoing whale observer programs, NUC's Whale Watch
and NMFS's Platforms of Opportunity. The rationale of these programs was that since oceanographers, commercial
and sport fishermen, naval personnel, commercial seamen, pleasure boaters, and coastal aircraft pilots together
canvas large areas of the oceans which scientists specializing in whales (cetologists) have time and funds to survey
only occasionally, training those persons in species identification and asking them to report their sightings back to
central data centers could help scientists more clearly understand distribution, migration, and seasonal variations in
abundance of cetacean species. For such a program to work, a usable field guide is a requisite. Because the many
publications on the whales, dolphins, and porpoises of this region were either too technical in content or too
limited in geographical area or species covered to be of use in field identification, and because conventional
scientific or taxonomic groupings of the animals are often not helpful in field identification, the photographic field
guide took a different approach. Instead of being placed into their scientific groups, species were grouped together
on the basis of similarities in appearance during the brief encounters typical at sea. Photographs of the animals in
their natural environment, supplemented by drawings and descriptions or tables distinguishing the most similar
species, formed the core of the guide.

Despite deficiencies in the first effort and the inherent difficulties of positively identifying many of the cetacean
species at sea, the results obtained from the programs have been encouraging. Many seafarers who had previously
looked with disinterest or ignorance on the animals they encountered became good critical observers and found
pleasure in the contribution they were making. The potential for the expansion of such observer programs is
enormous.
Because of these initial successes and the large number of requests for packets from persons working at sea off the
Atlantic coast of North America, this guide was planned. Many of the errors and deficiencies of the Pacific Guide
have been corrected, and the discussions of the ranges of many of the species have been expanded with
considerations of the major oceanographic factors affecting their distribution and movements. While the present
volume, like the Pacific Guide, is intended as an aid to the identification of living animals at sea, new materials
have been provided to aid in the identification and reporting of stranded specimens, a major source of data and
study material for museums. This new dimension is expected to assist the U.S. National Museum, various regional
museums, and other researchers actively collecting cetacean materials for display and study in the implementation
of their stranded animal salvage programs. Through a cooperative effort of this kind, the best possible use can be
made of all materials that become available.
As a part of continuing research, this guide will be revised whenever possible. Suggestions for its improvement
will at all times be welcome.

Funds for the preparation of this guide were provided by a grant to Stephen Leatherwood from the Platforms of
Opportunity Program, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Tiburon, Calif., Paul Sund, Coordinator.

CONTENTS

Introduction 1
Classification of cetaceans 1
Dolphin or porpoise 5
Organization of the guide 5
How to use the guide 7
To identify animals at sea 7
To identify stranded animals 7
To record and report information 7
Directory to species accounts:
Large whales:
With a dorsal fin 10
Without dorsal fin 13
Medium-sized whales:
With a dorsal fin 14
Without dorsal fin 15
Small whales, dolphins, and porpoises with a dorsal fin 16
Species accounts:
Large whales with a dorsal fin:
Blue whale 19
Fin whale 26
Sei whale 32
Bryde's whale 37
Humpback whale 40

Large whales without dorsal fin:
Bowhead whale 49
Right whale 52
Sperm whale 57
Medium-sized whales with a dorsal fin:
Minke whale 63
Northern bottlenosed whale 67
Goosebeaked whale 70
Other beaked whales 74
True's beaked whale 77
Antillean beaked whale 78
Dense-beaked whale 80
North Sea beaked whale 82
Killer whale 84
False killer whale 88
Atlantic pilot whale 91
Short-finned pilot whale 94
Grampus 96
Medium-sized whales without dorsal fin:
Beluga 99
Narwhal 102
Small whales, dolphins, and porpoises with a dorsal fin:
Atlantic spotted dolphin 104
Bridled dolphin 108
Spinner dolphin 110
Striped dolphin 113
Saddleback dolphin 116
Fraser's dolphin 120
Atlantic white-sided dolphin 123
White-beaked dolphin 126
Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin 128
Guiana dolphin 132
Rough-toothed dolphin 135
Pygmy killer whale 138
Many-toothed blackfish 142
Pygmy sperm whale 144
Dwarf sperm whale 148
Harbor porpoise 150
Acknowledgments 152
Selected bibliography 152
Appendix A, Tags on whales, dolphins, and porpoises 154
Appendix B, Recording and reporting observations of cetaceans at sea 160
Appendix C, Stranded whales, dolphins, and porpoises; with a key to the identification of stranded cetaceans 163
of the western North Atlantic
Appendix D, Recording and reporting data on stranded cetaceans 169
Appendix E, List of institutions to contact regarding stranded cetaceans 171

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) does not approve, recommend or endorse any proprietary
product or proprietary material mentioned in this publication. No reference shall be made to NMFS, or to this

publication furnished by NMFS, in any advertising or sales promotion which would indicate or imply that
NMFS approves, recommends or endorses any proprietary product or proprietary material mentioned herein,
or which has as its purpose an intent to cause directly or indirectly the advertised product to be used or
purchased because of this NMFS publication.

Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the Western North Atlantic
A Guide to Their Identification
STEPHEN LEATHERWOOD,[1] DAVID K. CALDWELL,[2] and HOWARD E. WINN[3]
with special assistance by
William E. Schevill[4] and Melba C. Caldwell[2]
[1] Biomedical Division, Undersea Sciences Department, Naval Undersea Center, San Diego, CA 92132.
[2] Biocommunication and Marine Mammal Research Facility, C. V. Whitney Marine Research Laboratory of the
University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
[3] Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881.
[4] Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543 and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard
University, Cambridge, MA 02138.

ABSTRACT

This field guide is designed to permit observers to identify the cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) they see
in the western North Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the coastal waters of the
United States and Canada. The animals described are grouped not by scientific relationships but by similarities in
appearance in the field. Photographs of the animals in their natural environment are the main aids to identification.
A dichotomized key is provided to aid in identification of stranded cetaceans and appendices describe how and to
whom to report data on live and dead cetaceans.

INTRODUCTION
All whales, dolphins, and porpoises belong to an order or major scientific group called the Cetacea by scientists.
They are all mammals (air-breathing animals which have hair in at least some stage of their development, maintain
a constant body temperature, bear their young alive, and nurse them for a while) which have undergone extensive
changes in body form (anatomy) and function (physiology) to cope with a life spent entirely in the water. The
breathing aperture(s), called a blowhole or blowholes, has (have) migrated to the top of the head to facilitate
breathing while swimming; the forward appendages have become flippers; the hind appendages have nearly
disappeared, they remain only as small traces of bone deeply imbedded in the muscles. Propulsion is provided by
fibrous, horizontally flattened tail flukes.
Scientists recognize two suborders of living cetaceans: the whalebone whales, suborder Mysticeti, and the toothed
whales, suborder Odontoceti. The two groups are separated in the following ways:
BALEEN OR WHALEBONE WHALES. These animals are called whalebone whales because when fully formed
instead of teeth they have up to 800 or more plates of baleen or whalebone depending from the roof of the mouth.
They use these plates to strain their food, which consists of "krill" (primarily small crustaceans) and/or small
schooling fish, by taking water into the mouth and forcing it out through the overlapping fringes of the baleen
plates. Baleen whales are externally distinguishable from toothed whales by having paired blowholes. There are
eight species of baleen whales in the western North Atlantic, ranging in size from the minke whale (just over 30
feet [about 9.1 m])[5] to the blue whale (85 feet [25.9 m]).
[5] Throughout this guide, measurements are given first in feet or inches, followed in parentheses by their equivalents in
meters or centimeters. It is recognized that field estimates cannot be as precise as most of the conversions used.

TOOTHED WHALES. Unlike the baleen whales, the toothed whales do have teeth after birth. The teeth vary in
number from 2 to over 250, though they may sometimes be concealed beneath the gum. In addition, toothed
whales have only a single blowhole. This group includes the animals commonly called dolphin or porpoise as well
as some commonly called whales (for example, the sperm whale). There are currently about 30 species of toothed
whales known from the western North Atlantic, ranging in maximum adult size from the common or harbor
porpoise, which is approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) long, up to the sperm whale which reaches a length of 68 feet
(20.7 m). Several other species which are expected to be found in this region, though they have not yet been
reported, are also included in this guide.

CLASSIFICATION OF CETACEANS
In addition to the two suborders (Mysticeti and Odontoceti), the cetacean order contains numerous families,
genera, and species. Each of these groupings represents a progressively more specialized division of the animals
into categories on the basis of similarities in their skulls, postcranial skeletons, and external characteristics. The
discipline which concerns itself with naming an animal and assigning it to its appropriate scientific category is
known as taxonomy. An example of the classification of a cetacean species is shown in the following:
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION OF THE ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSED DOLPHIN

Kingdom: Animalia all animals
Phylum: Chordata having at some stage a notochord, the precursor of the backbone
Subphylum:Vertebrata animals with backbones—fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals
Class: Mammalia animals that suckle their young
Order: Cetacea carnivorous, wholly aquatic mammals: whales, including dolphins and porpoises
Suborder: Odontoceti toothed whales as distinguished from Mysticeti, the baleen whales
Family: Delphinidaedolphins
Genus: Tursiops bottlenosed dolphins
Species: truncatus Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin

Modern taxonomy had its origin with the Swedish naturalist Linnaeus, whose tenth edition of the Systema Naturae
in 1758 forms the official starting point. Following Linnaeus, modern scientific names consist of two words, a
generic name, which has an initial capital, and a species name, which rarely does, occasionally in botany (some
species names deriving from a person's name are capitalized). Both names are usually of Latin origin (sometimes
Greek) and are italicized or underlined. These scientific names are of particular importance because, although
common names of species often are different in different countries or even in different regions of the same country,
the scientific name remains the same. For example, the right whale is universally known as Eubalaena glacialis
though its common names include black right whale, nordcaper, sletbag, Biscay whale, and Biscayan right whale.
Although classification of many species is still in a state of flux, the classification of western North Atlantic
cetaceans followed in this guide is as follows:

Page of
synoptic
account
of the species
Order Cetacea
Suborder Mysticeti—Baleen whales
Family Balaenopteridae—Rorquals
Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lacepede 1804 Minke whale 63
Balaenoptera physalus (Linnaeus 1758) Fin whale 26
Balaenoptera musculus (Linnaeus 1758) Blue whale 19
Balaenoptera borealis Lesson 1828 Sei whale 32
Balaenoptera edeni Anderson 1879 Bryde's whale 37
Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski 1781) Humpback whale 40
Family Balaenidae—Right whales
Balaena mysticetus Linnaeus 1758 Bowhead whale 49
Eubalaena glacialis (Borowski 1781) Right whale 52
Suborder Odontoceti—Toothed
whales
Family Ziphiidae
Mesoplodon bidens (Sowerby 1804) North Sea beaked whale 82

Mesoplodon densirostris (Blainville in Desmarest Dense-beaked whale 80
1817)
Mesoplodon europaeus (Gervais 1855) Antillean beaked whale 78
Mesoplodon mirus True 1913 True's beaked whale 77
Ziphius cavirostris G. Cuvier 1823 Goosebeaked whale 70
Hyperoodon ampullatus (Forster 1770) Northern bottlenosed whale 67
Family Physeteridae
Physeter catodon Linnaeus 1758 Sperm whale 57
Kogia breviceps (Blainville 1838) Pygmy sperm whale 144
Kogia simus (Owen 1866) Dwarf sperm whale 148
Family Monodontidae
Monodon monoceros Linnaeus 1758 Narwhal 102
Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas 1776) Beluga 99
Family Stenidae
Steno bredanensis (G. Cuvier in Lesson 1828) Rough-toothed dolphin 135
Sotalia guianensis (P. J. van Beneden 1864) Guiana dolphin 132
Family Delphinidae
Peponocephala electra (Gray 1846) Many-toothed blackfish 142
Feresa attenuata Gray 1874 Pygmy killer whale 138
Pseudorca crassidens (Owen 1846) False killer whale 88
Globicephala melaena (Traill 1809) Atlantic pilot whale 91
Globicephala macrorhynchus Gray 1846 Short-finned pilot whale 94
Orcinus orca (Linnaeus 1758) Killer whale 84
Lagenorhynchus albirostris Gray 1846 White-beaked dolphin 126
Lagenorhynchus acutus (Gray 1828) Atlantic white-sided 123
dolphin
Lagenodelphis hosei Fraser 1956 Fraser's dolphin 120
Tursiops truncatus (Montagu 1821) Bottlenosed dolphin 128
Grampus griseus (G. Cuvier 1812) Grampus 96
Stenella longirostris Gray 1828 Spinner dolphin 110
Stenella frontalis (G. Cuvier 1829) Bridled dolphin 108
Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen 1833) Striped dolphin 113
Stenella plagiodon (Cope 1866) Spotted dolphin 104
Delphinus delphis Linnaeus 1758 Saddleback dolphin 116
Family Phocoenidae
Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus 1758) Harbor porpoise 150

This tentative classification follows an unpublished list by W.E. Schevill and E.M. Mitchell currently under
review. The scientific names are followed by the name of the individual who named the species and the year of
naming, and then by the common name most often used in the western North Atlantic.[6] It may be noted that some
of the authors are in parentheses. This indicates that though the species name has remained the same since the date
of naming the species has since been assigned to another genus. Because the species are not arranged in taxonomic
order in this field guide, the page of the synoptic account of each is provided in the column to the right.
[6] Most common names are based on some characteristic of the species (e.g., spotted dolphin, striped dolphin, rough-
toothed dolphin); others are the names of authors of the species (e.g., True's beaked whale) or of habitats or macrohabitats
which they inhabit (e.g., North Sea beaked whale and harbor porpoise); the origins of some common names, however, are
less obvious (e.g., dense-beaked whale), and of less use in field references.

Figure 1.—The western North Atlantic, from
lat. 35°N-65°N.

Figure 2.—The western North Atlantic, from
lat. 37°N south to eastern Venezuela.

Figure 3.—A baleen whale (humpback)
showing the main body parts referred to in the
text.

Figure 4.—A fin whale in the
North Atlantic with the paired
blowholes open during respiration.
The paired blowholes distinguish
this animal as a baleen whale.
(Photo by W. A. Watkins.)

DOLPHIN OR PORPOISE
There is still considerable controversy over the correct usage of the terms dolphin and porpoise. As mentioned in
the preceding section, common names of any species may vary from locale to locale and even from individual to
individual. Some persons argue for the use of the term porpoise for all small cetaceans. Others insist on the term
dolphin. Still others either randomly use the terms or call members of the family Delphinidae dolphins and
members of the family Phocoenidae porpoises. The evidence supporting any one of these positions is confusing at
best and no usage of terms appears to be without problems. We see no wholly satisfactory resolution to the
problem at this time. For all these reasons, we have little desire to defend our decision to follow the last of these
practices in this guide, referring to all members of the family Delphinidae for which the term dolphin or porpoise
appears in the common name as dolphins, and to the one member of the family Phocoenidae represented in the
western North Atlantic, Phocoena phocoena, as the harbor porpoise. Although all cetaceans may be regarded as
whales, the term "whale" most commonly applies to the larger animals. For all species treated, other common
names by which they may be known are also listed.
Detailed treatment of the relative merits of the various terminologies is inappropriate here. Furthermore, it is our
opinion that the usage of the terms dolphin, porpoise, and whale as part of the common names of cetaceans is
largely a matter of personal preference.

ORGANIZATION OF THE GUIDE
The differences between baleen and toothed whales are easy enough to see in animals washed up on the beach or
maintained in a tank at a zoo or aquarium. But since an animal at sea can seldom be examined that closely, its most
obvious characteristics may be its overall size, the presence or absence of a dorsal fin, its prominent coloration or
markings, its general behavior, or its swimming, blowing, and diving characteristics. For that reason, regardless of
their scientific relationships, all the whales, dolphins, and the one porpoise covered in the main text of this guide
are divided into three groups. Those over 40 feet (12.2 m) long are discussed in the section on Large Whales, those
from 13 to 40 feet (4.0 to 12.2 m) in the Medium-Sized Whale, and those less than 13 feet (4.0 m) in the Small
Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoise (with a dorsal fin). There are no small whales, dolphins, or porpoises in this
region without a dorsal fin. Each section is further divided into those animals with a dorsal fin and those without.
From that point, animals likely to be confused in the field are grouped together and the important differences
between them are discussed.
The synoptic accounts of the species are followed by five appendices: Appendix A discusses and illustrates man-
made and applied tags and natural markings on cetaceans and their importance in studies of natural history.
Appendix B discusses the data which are most important to record in observations of cetaceans at sea, gives
examples, and provides blank sighting forms. Appendix C discusses possible causes of cetacean strandings and the
manner in which stranded animals should be handled and adds a key and tables to aid in identifying stranded
cetaceans. Appendix D provides guidelines for collecting data on stranded cetaceans and provides forms and
specific instructions for taking standard measurements. Appendix E lists institutions to be contacted in the event of
a cetacean stranding or for information.
A bibliography of useful references on cetaceans in general and cetaceans of this region in particular and a
directory to species accounts are included.

Figure 5.—A humpback whale lying on its left
side on the deck of a Canadian whaling
station. Note the fringes of baleen suspended
from the roof of the mouth. (Photo by J. G.
Mead.)

Figure 6.—Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin
mother and calf from northeastern Florida.
Note the single open blowhole, a characteristic
that marks these animals as toothed whales.
(Photo courtesy of Marineland of Florida.)

Figure 7.—The open mouth of an Atlantic
bottlenosed dolphin from the northeastern
Gulf of Mexico. All toothed whales have teeth,
which are used primarily for grasping rather
than for chewing. The number varies from 2 to
over 250, though they are buried beneath the
gums in females and immature animals of
several species, take peculiar form in one
(narwhal), and are extensively worn in others.
(Photo by D. K. Caldwell.)

HOW TO USE THE GUIDE
To Identify Animals at Sea

The three major sections of the guide (i.e., large, medium, and small whales) are preceded by a directory to species
accounts, which is a summary of the most obvious characteristics of each species and in which summary
statements about each characteristic are arranged in parallel order. To use the guide to identify living animals
observed at sea, a person or persons should:

1. First estimate the animal's size and determine whether or not it has a dorsal fin.
2. Note also any distinctive features of body shape and coloration and observe its general behavior, including
swimming, blowing, and diving characteristics. It should be noted that coloration may vary somewhat at sea,
depending on light conditions and water clarity. For example, animals which appear dark gray or black at the
surface or when dead may appear brown in good light or when submerged. Making a brief sketch at this point
may aid in identifying the animal or in later recalling its distinctive features.
3. Using the directory, locate the section to which the animal probably belongs.
4. Then, for more detailed information, consult the section indicated. There you will find a more complete
discussion of the animal's range, size, and distinctive characteristics. In addition, you will find a brief
discussion distinguishing it from animals with which it is likely to be confused in the field.

This guide will probably work best if, in advance of attempting to use the key in the field, the reader will
familiarize himself with the general outline, with characters or behaviors to note, and with the locations of the
various species accounts. It will also help if he schools himself to ask a series of questions about the animal(s) he
sees at the time of the encounter rather than depending on his recall at a later time (see p. 160). As we have
emphasized several times in this guide, positive identification of cetaceans at sea can only occasionally be made on
the basis of a single characteristic. Therefore, the greater the amount of pertinent evidence an observer obtains, the
greater the likelihood he can make a reliable identification.

To Identify Stranded Animals

Stranded animals can best be identified by referring to Appendix C and its associated tables, making a preliminary
determination and then consulting the species accounts in the main body of the book for verification of the
identification. As noted in that appendix, if the animal is recently stranded, identification can be made using any of
the externally visible characteristics described for the living species at sea. But even if the animal is in an advanced
stage of decomposition, it can usually be identified by referring to the key and to the numbers and descriptions of
baleen plates, for all baleen whales, and the numbers and relative lengths of ventral grooves, for all balaenopterine
whales (Table 1), or to the tables on the numbers and descriptions of teeth, for toothed whales (Table 2).

To Record and Report Information

As discussed in the preface, though learning to identify the whales, dolphins, and porpoises one sees may be
exciting in itself, many persons may want to participate in the accumulation of data on these interesting animals by
routinely reporting their observations to scientists who are actively studying them and who can make immediate
use of the information. The following may help these persons:
Suggestions for making and recording observations of cetaceans at sea and sample data forms are included in
Appendix C. Similar suggestions for taking and recording data on stranded cetaceans are included in Appendix D.
For both types of data, blank data forms located after the appendices may be photocopied in bulk for use in the
field.

Completed data forms and all associated information for sightings at sea should be forwarded to the Platforms of
Opportunity Program, National Marine Fisheries Service, Tiburon, CA 94920, or to one of the authors of this
guide. From there, they will be made available to scientists actively studying the cetaceans of a given species or
geographical area.
Completed data forms and all associated information for observations of stranded cetaceans should be forwarded
to the Division of Mammals, U.S. National Museum, Washington, DC 20560, to one of the authors of this guide,
or to one of the regional laboratories listed in Appendix E. These persons have, in turn, been encouraged to keep a
free flow of information among them.

Table 1. Ranges in Numbers of Teeth in Each Upper and Lower Jaw of Western North Atlantic Odontocetes.

Page of Ranges in tooth
Species common Species scientific
species counts Remarks
name name
account Upper Lower
Sperm whale Physeter catodon 57 0 18-25 Ten to sixteen upper teeth rarely emerge;
lower teeth fit into sockets in upper jaw.
Northern Hyperoodon 67 0 2(2)[A] At tip of lower jaw; sometimes second pair
bottlenosed ampullatus behind first.
whale
Goosebeaked Ziphius cavirostris 70 0 2[A] At tip of lower jaw.[B]
whale
True's beaked Mesoplodon mirus 77 0 2[A] At tip of lower jaw.[B]
whale
Antillean beaked Mesoplodon 78 0 2[A] At suture of mandible. One-third of way
whale europaeus from tip of snout to gape.[B]
Dense-beaked Mesoplodon 80 0 2[A] On prominences near corner of mouth;
whale densirostris oriented backwards.[B]
North Sea beaked Mesoplodon bidens 82 0 2[A] About halfway from tip of snout to gape.[B]
whale
Killer whale Orcinus orca 84 10-12 10-12 Prominent; curved and oriented backwards
and inwards; pointed.
False killer whale Pseudorca 88 8-11 8-11 Prominent; pointed and curved.
crassidens
Atlantic pilot Globicephala 91 8-10 8-10 — —
whale melaena
Short-finned pilot Globicephala 94 7-9 7-9 ——
whale macrorhyncha
Grampus Grampus griseus 96 0 0-7 Near front of jaw; may have fallen out in
older specimens; sometimes teeth in upper
jaw.
Beluga Delphinapterus 99 8-11 8-9 ——
leucas
Narwhal Monodon 102 2 0[A] One (rarely both) grows up to 9 ft (2.5 m)
monoceros tusk which has left-hand (sinestral) spiral.
Spotted dolphin Stenella plagiodon 104 30-36 28-35 — —
Bridled dolphin Stenella frontalis 108 29-34 33-36 — —
Spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris 110 46-65 46-65 — —
Striped dolphin Stenella 113 43-50 43-50 — —
coeruleoalba
Saddleback Delphinus delphis 116 40-50 40-50 — —
dolphin

Fraser's dolphin Lagenodelphis 120 38-44 38-44 — —
hosei
Atlantic white- Lagenorhynchus 123 30-40 30-40 Some specimens have more teeth in upper
sided dolphin acutus than in lower jaw.
White-beaked Lagenorhynchus 126 22-28 22-28 — —
dolphin albirostris
Atlantic Tursiops truncatus 128 20-26 18-24 — —
bottlenosed
dolphin
Guiana dolphin Sotalia guianensis 132 26-35 26-35 — —
Rough-toothed Steno bredanensis 135 20-27 20-27 Crown is sometimes marked with many fine
dolphin vertical wrinkles.
Pygmy killer Feresa attenuata 138 8-13 10-13 Many specimens have fewer teeth on right
whale than on left side.
Many-toothed Peponocephala 142 22-25 21-24 — —
blackfish electra
Pygmy sperm Kogia breviceps 144 0 12-16 Rarely 10 or 11; curved back and inwards;
whale fit into sockets in upper jaw.
Dwarf sperm Kogia simus 148 0-3 8-11 Rarely 13; curved back and in; sharply
whale pointed; fit into sockets in upper jaw.
Rarely has 1-3 upper teeth as well.
Harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena 150 22-28 22-28 Spade shaped, laterally compressed, and
relatively small.
[A] Usually erupted from gums only in adult [MALES].
[B] May have toothpick size vestigial teeth in either jaw.

Table 2. Body Size; Numbers, Maximum Dimensions and Descriptions of Baleen Plates; and Numbers and
Relative Lengths of Ventral Grooves of W. N. Atlantic Mysticetes.

Maximum
Maximum dimensions of Relative
Mean Numbers
Species Species Page of Number lengths
body plates Color of No. of of
common scientific species [C] of baleen of
size Width baleen bristles ventral
name name account plates/side Length ventral
ft(m) base /cm. grooves
grooves
ft/in. cm ft/in. cm
Blue Balaenoptera 19 85 (26.0) 270-395 33" 84 12" 30 All black 10-30 55-88 At least
whale musculus with black to
bristles. navel.
Fin whale Balaenoptera 26 79 (24.0) 262-473 29" 72 12" 30 Dark gray 10-35 56-100 At least
physalus to bluish to
gray; one- navel.
fifth to
one-third
of right
front is
whitish.
Sei whale Balaenoptera 32 62 (19.0) 318-340 31" 78 15" 39 Ash black 35-60 38-56 End far
borealis with blue short of
tinge and navel.
fine, light
bristles;

some near
front may
be light.
Bryde's Balaenoptera 37 46 (14.0) 250-300? 17" 42 10" 24 Slate gray 15-35 40-50 At least
whale edeni with dark to
bristles. navel.
Humpback Megaptera 40 53 (16.0) 270-400 24" 60 5" 13 Ash black 10-35 14-22 At least
whale novaeangliae to olive to
brown; navel.
sometimes
whitish;
bristles
grayish
white.
Bowhead Balaena 49 65 (19.8) 325-360 14' 414 14" 36 Black; ? None XX
whale mysticetus anterior present.
side of
some is
whitish;
bristles
black.
Right Eubalaena 52 53 (16.0) 250-390 7.3' 223 12" 30 Dirty or 35-70 None XX
whale glacialis yellowish present.
gray;
some
anterior
plates all
or part
white.
Minke Balaenoptera 63 31 (10.0) 300-325 8" 21 4" 10 White to 15-25 50-70 End
whale acutorostrata yellowish short of
white. navel;
Posterior often
plates just
may be behind
brown or flippers.
black.
[C] As stated in the Index to the species, these figures represent maximum sizes recorded for the W. N. Atlantic. For all
species exploited by whaling industries' current maximum sizes will be substantially smaller than these figures (see
species accounts).

DIRECTORY TO SPECIES ACCOUNTS
LARGE WHALES
(40-85 feet [12-26 m] maximum overall length)

With a Dorsal Fin

All five species of large whales with a dorsal fin belong to the same major baleen whale group, the balaenopterid
whales or rorquals. All are characterized by the presence of a series of ventral grooves, usually visible on stranded
specimens and the length and number of which are diagnostic to species. In addition, all species, with the
exception of the humpback whale, have at least one distinctive (though often not prominent) ridge along the head
from just in front of the blowhole to near the tip of the snout. (The humpback whale, on the other hand, is
distinguished by numerous knobs, some of which are located along the line of the head ridge, with others scattered
on the top of the head.) In Bryde's whale, the single head ridge characteristic of the other rorquals is supplemented
by two auxiliary ridges, one on each side of the main ridge.
At sea, these whales often appear very similar and must be examined carefully before they can be reliably
identified.
In general, though the characteristics of behavior may vary from one encounter to the next, based on the activities
in which the animal is engaged, whales in this group may be distinguished from each other on the basis of
differences in 1) the size, shape, and position of the dorsal fin and the timing of its appearance on the surface
relative to the animal's blow (in general, the larger the whale, the smaller the dorsal fin—the further back its
position and the later its appearance on the surface after the animal's blow); 2) the height of body in the area of the
dorsal fin, relative to the size of the dorsal fin, which is exposed as the animal sounds; 3) sometimes the blow rate
and movement patterns; and 4) the shape and color of the head.
Despite variability in behavior by members of the same species from one encounter to the next, an observer can
greatly increase the reliability of his identification by forming the habit of working systematically through a set of
characteristics for the species rather than depending on any single characteristic.

Body very large, up to 85 feet (25.9 m) long.[7]
Body basically bluish with mottlings of grayish white. Blue whale
Baleen all black. Balaenoptera musculus
Head broad and nearly U-shaped, viewed from above. p. 19
Head flat in front of blowhole, viewed from side.
Dorsal fin small (to 13 inches [33 cm]), triangular to moderately falcate, in the last one-third of back.
Distribution primarily from temperate seas to pack ice; rare in tropics.
Distribution more northerly during summer.
Flukes occasionally raised slightly on long dive.
[7] These figures are all near maximum sizes recorded for the North Atlantic. For all species which have historically been
exploited by whale fisheries present maximum sizes may be significantly less than these figures.
It should also be noted that differences in methods of measurements often account for discrepancies in reported lengths.

Body large, up to 79 feet (24 m) long.
Body mostly dark gray or brownish gray; undersides of flukes and Fin whale
flippers and belly white; grayish-white chevron frequently on back Balaenoptera physalus
behind head. p. 26
Right lower lip white; right upper lip sometimes white; left lip dark.
Head V-shaped, viewed from above.
Right front one-third to one-fifth of baleen plates, yellowish white.
Other baleen bluish gray with yellowish-white stripes.

Dorsal fin to 24 inches (61 cm), slightly more than one-third forward from tail; forms angle of less than 40° with
back.
Distribution extensive but not very common near pack ice and in tropics.
Distribution more northerly during summer.
Flukes not raised on dive.

Body up to 62 feet (19 m) long.
Body appears shiny; dark gray on back, often with ovoid grayish-white Sei whale
scars; white on front of belly; undersides of flippers and flukes dark. Balaenoptera borealis
Baleen grayish or ash black with fine, light-gray bristles. p. 32
Dorsal fin to 24 inches (61 cm), strongly falcate, well more than one-third
forward from tail; forms angle of more than 40° with back.
Distribution extensive; are not very common in cold waters and may have a greater tendency than fin whales to
enter tropical waters.
Distribution more northerly in summer.
Flukes not raised on dive.

Body up to 46 feet (14 m) long.
Body dark gray overall. Bryde's whale
Head has series of three ridges from area of blowhole to snout. Balaenoptera edeni
Baleen slate gray with coarse dark bristles. p. 37
Dorsal fin to 18 inches (45.7 cm), falcate, well more than one-third
forward from tail, often irregularly worn on rear margin.
Distribution primarily tropical and southern temperate.
Flukes not raised on dive.

Body up to 53 feet (16.2 m) long.
Body dark gray with irregular white area on belly; flippers white; Humpback whale
underside of flukes often has varying amounts of white. Megaptera novaeangliae
Head in front of blowhole flat and covered with knobs. p. 40
Baleen dark gray to black with olive-black bristles.
Dorsal fin small, quite variable in shape, usually hooked, located on a step or hump, in last one-third of back.
Flippers very long (to nearly one-third of body length), white, and scalloped on leading edge.
Distribution at least New England to Iceland and Greenland during summer.
Distribution to shallow tropical banks, winter and spring.
Flukes often scalloped on trailing edges and sometimes raised on dive.

NOTE: Because of its small adult size, usually less than 30 feet (9.1 m), another member of the rorqual family, the
minke whale, is included with the medium-sized whales in this guide. Features by which it may be distinguished
from all other rorquals are discussed in the species account.
Further, inasmuch as the dorsal fin of the humpback whale is highly variable in shape, positive identification may
require reference to the sperm whale (p. 57), which, though the sperm whale has been classified with species
without dorsal fin, has a rather distinct dorsal hump, particularly noticeable when the animal arches the back and
tail to begin a long dive.

Figure 8a.—Swimming, blowing, and diving
characteristics of blue, fin, sei, and Bryde's
whales.

Figure 8b.—Swimming, blowing, and diving
characteristics of humpback, bowhead, right,
and sperm whales.

(40-65 feet [12-20 m] maximum overall length)

Without a Dorsal Fin

There are three species of large whales without a dorsal fin in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Two of these, the
bowhead or Greenland whale, and its more widely distributed close relative the right whale, are baleen whales. The
third, the sperm whale, is a toothed whale. The first two have relatively smooth backs without even a trace of a
dorsal fin. The sperm whale has a humplike low, thick, dorsal ridge, which, from certain views, particularly when
the animal is humping up to begin a dive, may be clearly visible and look like a fin. But because the profile of that
hump and the knuckles which follow it are often not very prominent in this species, it has been classified with the
finless big whales.
All three species are characterized by very distinctive blows or spouts. In both the bowhead and the right whales,
the projection of the blow upward from two widely separated blowholes assumes a very wide V-shape with two
distinct columns, which may be seen when the animals are viewed from front or back. Though this character may
be visible under ideal conditions in many of the other baleen whales species as well, it is exaggerated and

uniformly distinct in the bowhead and right whales and may be used as one of the primary key characters. In the
sperm whale, the blow emanates from a blowhole which is displaced to the left of the head near the front and
projects obliquely forward to the animal's left. This blow seen under ideal conditions positively labels a large
whale as a sperm whale.
Remember, however, that wind conditions may affect the disposition and duration of the blow of any species and
that a single character alone is seldom sufficient to permit positive identification.

Body to 65 feet (19.8 m) long.[8]
Body dark; back smooth. Bowhead whale
Chin and belly often white. Balaena mysticetus
Head lacks callosities. p. 49
Baleen dark gray with gray fringes; to 12 feet (3.7 m) or more.
Upper jaw and lower lip strongly arched.
Two blowholes clearly separated.
Blow projects upward in wide V-shape.
Distribution restricted to Arctic waters south to Davis Straits.
Flukes raised on longer dives.
[8] These figures are near maximum sizes recorded for the North Atlantic. All three species have been heavily exploited by
whale fisheries. Therefore maximum sizes today may be significantly less than these figures (see text).
It should also be noted that differences in methods of measurements often account for discrepancies in reported lengths.

Body to 53 feet (16.2 m) long.
Body from dark to light gray and mottled; back smooth; chin and belly Right whale
usually white. Eubalaena glacialis
Head and lower jaw covered with callosities (the largest of which is p. 52
called the bonnet and is set on top of the snout).
Baleen usually dark gray with dark fringes; to 7.2 feet (2.2 m). When animals swim, mouth agape, near surface;
baleen sometimes appears pale brownish to yellowish gray in color.
Upper jaw and lower lip strongly arched.
Two blowholes clearly separated.
Blow projects upward in wide V-shape.
Distribution extends from Iceland south at least to Florida and reported from Texas.
Flukes raised on longer dives.

Body to 69 feet (20.9 m) long; males grow significantly larger than
females. Sperm whale
Body dark grayish brown to brown; wrinkled in appearance. Physeter catodon
Back has rounded hump followed by knuckles. p. 57
Head boxlike, comprises up to 40% of body length.
From 18 to 25 functional teeth in each side of narrow lower jaw.
Single blowhole on left of head at front.
Blow projects forward obliquely from head and to left.
Distribution extends from tropics to Arctic; adult males distributed farther north.
Flukes raised on longer dives.

MEDIUM-SIZED WHALES
(13-32 feet [4-10 m] maximum overall length)

With a Dorsal Fin

There are 11 species of medium-sized whales with a dorsal fin known from the western North Atlantic. These
species, taking many diverse forms, range in maximum adult size from about 13 feet (4.0 m) (grampus) to about
33 feet (10.1 m) (the minke whale). This group includes such widely distributed and frequently encountered

species as the pilot whales, false killer whales, and minke whales, and such rarely encountered and poorly known
species as the various "beaked whales" (Mesoplodon spp. and the goosebeaked whale).
Aside from their common inclusion within the stated size range and the presence of a dorsal fin in all species
(which ranges from only a small nubbin in some of the beaked whales to a substantial 5- to 6-foot [1.5- to 1.8-m]
sail on adult male killer whales), these species have no diagnostic field characteristics in common. Therefore, each
is discussed in detail and is placed in the text in near proximity to those species with which it is likely to be
confused in the field.

Body to 30 feet (9.1 m), or more, long.
Body black or dark gray; area of gray shading on each side just in front of Minke whale
and below dorsal fin. Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Flippers have transverse white band. p. 63
Head very sharply V-shaped viewed from above.
Dorsal fin falcate and distinct; usually appears simultaneous with blow.
Blow often low and indistinct.
Distribution polar, temperate, and tropical; frequently coastal.
Often curious about boats.
Flukes not raised on dive.

Body to 32 feet (9.8 m) long.
Body of young uniformly chocolate brown; body of adults brown with Northern bottlenosed whale
cream or yellow blotches. Hyperoodon ampullatus
Head bulbous in adults and white in larger animals; has distinct beak. p. 67
Dorsal fin falcate and distinct, in last one-third of back.
Distribution north temperate and Arctic-offshore.
Often curious about boats.
Flukes large, rarely notched; occasionally raised on long dive.

Body to at least 23 feet (7 m) long.
Body from dark gray or brown to rust or fawn and splotched with white; Goosebeaked whale
eyes dark. Ziphius cavirostris
Head of large males white. p. 70
Back frequently scarred with numerous scratches, presumably tooth
marks.
Dorsal fin falcate and distinct, in last one-third of back.
Distribution primarily tropical; extends to temperate.
Flukes light beneath, sometimes shallowly notched; often raised on dive.

Body to 16-22 feet (4.9-6.7 m) long.
Body color black to dark gray. All other western North Atlantic
Back frequently scarred. beaked whales
Dorsal fin position varies with species. Mesoplodon spp.
Distribution varies with species. p. 74
Flukes not usually distinctly notched.

Body to at least 30 feet (9.1 m) long.
Body black with sharply demarcated white belly and oval white patch Killer whale
above and behind eye; gray saddle behind dorsal fin. Orcinus orca
Body chunky. p. 84
Dorsal fin in males can be very tall, sometimes 6 feet (1.8 m).
Dorsal fin in females and immature animals up to 3 feet (0.9 m), distinctly falcate.
Distributed from tropics to Arctic; most common in colder waters.
Often seen in shallow bays and rivers and near shore.
Flukes may be raised on dive.

Body to at least 18 feet (5.5 m) long.

Body black (faint gray blaze on belly between flippers).
Body slender. False killer whale
Head small, tapering. Pseudorca crassidens
Large prominent teeth frequently visible at sea. p. 88
Flippers have distinct hump on leading edge.
Dorsal fin to 14 inches (35.6 cm), falcate, and from rounded to pointed on tip.
Distribution pelagic tropical to warm temperate seas.
Frequently ride bow waves.

Body to at least 22 feet (6.7 m) long.
Body black with light gray, anchor-shaped area on chest; gray saddle Atlantic pilot whale
sometimes seen behind dorsal fin. Globicephala melaena
Head becoming more bulbous with age, somewhat squarish in adult males p. 91
viewed from above.
Tail humped.
Flippers long (to one-fifth of body length), sickle-shaped.
Dorsal fin broad-based, falcate to flaglike, in front half of back.
Distribution primarily north temperate—about Hatteras north.
Flukes not usually raised on dive.

Body to at least 17.5 feet (5.3 m) long.
Body black with indistinct light gray area on chest; saddle behind dorsal Short-finned pilot whale
fin. Globicephala macrorhynchus
Head becoming more bulbous with age; square in large adult males p. 94
viewed from above.
Flippers relatively short (to less than one-sixth of body length).
Dorsal fin broad-based, falcate to flaglike, in front half of back.
Distribution tropical and warm temperate; from about Hatteras south.
Flukes not usually raised on dive.

Body to at least 13 feet (4.0 m) long.
Body of newborn light gray; darkens with age. Grampus
Body of adults light gray or white; scarred with numerous scratches. Grampus griseus
Head blunted, not beaked. p. 96
Forehead has vertical crease in center.
Dorsal fin less than 15 inches (38.1 cm), rather erect and distinct, and dark even in light adults.
Distribution tropical to temperate.
Rarely ride bow wave.

(13-16 feet [4-5 m] maximum overall length)

Without a Dorsal Fin

The only two species of medium-sized cetaceans in the western North Atlantic which have no dorsal fin, the
Beluga or white whale and the Narwhal, share such limited common range, well outside the theater of normal
boating traffic, that they are generally infrequently encountered.
Both species are easily identifiable when seen.

Body to 16 feet (4.9 m) long.
Body of adults all white; young slate gray. Beluga
Small row of bumps along back ridge near midpoint, sometimes dark Delphinapterus leucas
brown. p. 99
Distribution usually near coast from Arctic waters to St. Lawrence Gulf
and into Hudson Bay.

Body to 16 feet (4.9 m) long.
Body of adult brownish with grayish spots; body of young dark bluish Narwhal
gray fading to white belly. Monodon monoceros
Head small; adults may have tusks up to 9 feet long (2.7 m). p. 102
Small row of bumps along back ridge.
Distribution usually in coastal waters from Arctic waters south to Labrador coast.

SMALL WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND PORPOISES
(less than 13 feet [4 m] maximum overall length)

With a Dorsal Fin

The species in this group are not discussed in order of length; instead the species of the genus Stenella are treated
together and then they and other species are placed in near proximity to those animals with which they are likely to
be confused in the field.

Body to 7.5-8 feet (2.3-2.4 m) long.
Body dark purplish gray on back, lighter gray on sides and belly; Atlantic spotted dolphin
becomes increasingly spotted with increase in size. Stenella plagiodon
Body has spinal blaze and light line from flipper to eye. p. 104
Beak white on tip.
Rides bow waves.
Distribution usually in tropical and warm temperate waters; most common inside 100-fathom curve of continents.

Body to at least 7 feet (2.1 m) long.
Body dark gray on back; lighter gray on sides and belly. Bridled dolphin
Body has no spinal blaze. Stenella frontalis
Cape on top of head distinct. p. 108
Bridle: dark lines from eye to rostrum and from flippers to corner of
mouth.
Rides bow waves.
Distribution in tropical waters, primarily in West Indies.

Body to at least 7 feet (2.1 m) long.
Body dark gray on back; tan on sides; white on belly. Spinner dolphin
Beak often long and slender, usually black above, white below. Stenella longirostris
Tip of snout and lips distinctly black. p. 110
Dorsal fin moderately falcate to triangular and very erect.
Rides bow waves.
Often jumps and spins on longitudinal axis.
Distribution in oceanic and coastal tropical waters.

Body to about 9 feet (2.7 m) long.
Body dark gray or bluish gray on back; gray on sides; gray or white on Striped dolphin
belly. Stenella coeruleoalba = Stenella
Distinctive black stripes from: 1) eye to anus, 2) eye to flipper. styx
Distinctive black blaze from behind dorsal fin to side above flipper. p. 113
Rides bow waves.
Distribution temperate, subtropical, and tropical; seldom close to shore.

Body to 8.5 feet (2.6 m); usually less than 7.5 feet (2.3 m) long.
Body brownish gray to black; belly and chest white; crisscross Saddleback dolphin
(hourglass) pattern of yellow tan on sides. Delphinus delphis
Distinct black stripe from center of lower jaw to flipper. p. 116
Rides bow waves.
Distribution temperate and tropical; seldom close to shore.

Body to at least 8 feet (2.4 m) long.
Body very robust in front of dorsal fin, resembling cross between Fraser's dolphin
saddleback dolphin and Atlantic white-sided dolphin. Lagenoldelphis hosei
Beak very short and indistinct. p. 120
Distinct black stripe from beak to area of anus.
Dorsal fin and flippers small.
Distribution tropical (not yet recorded in western North Atlantic).

Body to about 9 feet (2.7 m) long.
Dorsal fin part gray, part black; tall and distinctly falcate. Atlantic white-sided dolphin
Distinctive patch of white on side; tan or yellow coloration below and Lagenorhynchus acutus
behind dorsal fin, often visible on swimming animal. p. 123
Beak short; all dark.
Does not usually ride bow waves.
Distribution Cape Cod to southern Greenland.

Body to about 10 feet (3.1 m) long.
Dorsal fin all black, tall, and distinctly falcate. White-beaked dolphin
Two pale areas: one in front, another behind and below dorsal fin; visible Lagenorhynchus albirostris
on swimming animal. p. 126
Beak short, sometimes brushed with white blaze.
May ride bow waves.
Distribution Newfoundland north in summer, Cape Cod north in winter; common close to shore at Cape Cod in
spring.

Body to 12 feet (3.7 m) long.
Body dark gray on back; lighter gray on sides; belly white to pink. Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin
Snout robust and short. Tursiops truncatus
Dorsal fin tall; back curved. p. 128
Ride bow waves; often turn head downwards or to the sides as they do so.
Distribution temperate and tropical, usually within 20 miles of shore (often in bays, lagoons, and larger rivers)
but extending off the continental shelves.

Body to approximately 5.6 feet (1.7 m) long.
Body steel blue to dark brown on back; white on belly. Guiana dolphin
Dorsal fin nearly triangular; curves only slightly backward. Sotalia guianensis
Distribution in Lake Maracaibo and the rivers of Guiana and in the p. 132
nearshore coastal waters of northeastern portion of South America.

Body to about 8 feet (2.4 m) long.
Body dark gray to purplish gray on back with white or pink blotches on Rough-toothed dolphin
sides; belly white. Steno bredanensis
Body frequently shows numerous white scars. p. 135
Head tapers gradually; beak long and slender; no clear separation of beak
from forehead.
May ride bow waves.
Distribution in deep tropical waters.

Body to 8-9 feet (2.4-2.7 m) long.
Body black with white belly patch which may extend up sides in area of Pygmy killer whale
anus. Feresa attenuata
Head rounded; no beak; lips white; lower jaw and chin may be white. p. 138
Dorsal fin to 15 inches (38 cm) tall, falcate; located near midpoint of
back.
Distribution tropical and subtropical.

Body to about 9 feet (2.7 m) long.

Body black on back; light gray on belly.
Head rounded; no beak; underslung jaw; lips white. Many-toothed blackfish
Dorsal fin to 10 inches (25.4 cm), tall, distinctly back curved. Peponocephala electra
Distribution tropical (not yet reported in western North Atlantic). p. 142
Body to about 11 feet (3.4 m) long.
Body dark steel gray on back; lighter gray on sides; pinkish to white on Pygmy sperm whale
belly (older animals speckled on belly). Kogia breviceps
Head blunt; jaw underslung; false gills or bracket marks on side of head. p. 144
Dorsal fin small; located in last one-third of body.
Has not been reported to ride bow waves.
Distribution in tropical and temperate waters.

Body to about 9 feet (2.7 m) long.
Body dark steel gray on back; lighter gray on sides; pinkish to white on Dwarf sperm whale
belly. Kogia simus
Head blunt; jaw underslung; false gills or bracket marks on side of head. p. 148
Body has two small creases on throat.
Dorsal fin like that of Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin; located near midpoint of back.
Has not been reported to ride bow waves.
Distribution poorly known; at least from Georgia to the tropical seas.

Body to 5 feet (1.5 m) long.
Body dark brown above and white below; transition zone on sides often Harbor porpoise
speckled or streaked; ventral white extends high onto side in front of Phocoena phocoena
dorsal fin. p. 150
Head rounded; beak small and indistinct.
Dorsal fin short and triangular.
Distribution in shallow waters from at least Delaware north; generally found inshore; often in bays, river mouths
and inlets.
Does not approach boats.

SPECIES ACCOUNTS
Large Whales With a Dorsal Fin

BLUE WHALE (B)[9]
Balaenoptera musculus (Linnaeus 1758)

[9] The letter in parentheses indicates whether the species is a baleen (B) or a toothed (T) whale.

Other Common Names

Sulphur-bottom.

Description

Blue whales are the largest living mammals. Though reports of maximum length and weight vary from one
account to another, Antarctic blue whales are known to have reached lengths to 100 feet (30.5 m) and weights of
over 150 tons (136,363 kg)[10] before stocks were severely depleted by whaling operations. North Atlantic blue
whales may be expected to reach lengths of 80-85 feet (24.4-25.9 m). In all known populations of blue whales,
females are slightly larger than males of the same age.
[10] The largest measured specimen was "just over" 100 feet (30.5 m); the largest specimen weighed, the 150-ton
individual noted above, was 89 feet (27.1 m) long.

Viewed from above, the blue whale's rostrum is broad, flat, and nearly U-shaped (actually shaped like a Gothic
arch, slightly flattened on the tip), with a single ridge extending from the raised area just in front of the blowholes
towards but not quite reaching the tip of the snout.
The dorsal fin is extremely small [to only 13 inches (33 cm)] and variable in shape from nearly triangular to
moderately falcate. In all cases, it is located so far back on the animal's tail stock that it is seldom visible until the
animal is about to begin a dive.
Blue whales are light bluish gray overall, mottled with gray or grayish white. Some animals may have yellowish or
mustard coloration, primarily on the belly, the result of the accumulation of diatoms during long stays in the cooler
waters to the north. The undersides of the flippers are light grayish blue to white.
The baleen plates are all black.

Natural History Notes

The blow or "spout" is tall, to perhaps 30 feet (9.1 m), slender, vertical, and not bushy, as is the blow of humpback
whales, for instance.
Although the blowing and diving patterns of blue whales may vary, depending on the speed of movement and the
activity of the whale when it is encountered, they may be generally described as follows: If the animal is moving
slowly, the blowhole and part of the head may still be visible when the dorsal fin breaks the surface, and the animal
may settle quietly into the water without exposing the last portion of the tail stock or the tail flukes. If the animal is
moving more quickly, however, or is about to begin a long dive, the blowhole disappears below the surface, a
broad expanse of the back is exposed and disappears, and the dorsal fin emerges briefly just before the animal lifts
its tail stock and flukes slightly above the surface before slipping out of sight.
In this species it can be generally stated that the maximum height of back in the area of the dorsal fin which is
exposed above the surface as the animal sounds is approximately four times the height of the dorsal fin itself. The
exposure of the tail flukes is unlike that of the humpback whale (Fig. 39), the right whale (Fig. 50), or the sperm
whale (Fig. 57) in that when beginning a long dive all these other species raise the flukes high out of the water and
usually descend at a steep angle. Blue whales lift the flukes only slightly, if at all.

Blue whales are relatively shallow feeders, feeding as they do almost exclusively on "krill" (small shrimplike
crustaceans), most of which are distributed in the surface 330 feet (100 m). Blue whales usually occur singly or in
pairs.

May Be Confused With

At sea, blue whales may be confused with fin whales (p. 26) and though the two are sometimes difficult to
distinguish from a distance, the following key differences permit identification at close range:

Blue Whale Fin Whale
COLORATION
Mottled bluish gray above and below. Gray above, white below; frequently
grayish-white chevron behind head,
right lower lip white.
BALEEN
All black. Bluish gray with yellowish-white strips;
front fifth to third of baleen on right side
all white.
HEAD
Broad and nearly U-shaped; all dark. Narrower, more V-shaped; right lower
lip white.
DORSAL FIN
To 13 inches (33 cm); triangular to To 24 inches (61 cm); falcate; located
moderately falcate; in last third of back; slightly more than a third forward from
visible well after blow. tail flukes; usually visible shortly after
blow.
SURFACING AND PREPARING TO DIVE
Often shows head and blowholes; broad Usually rolls higher out of water,
expanse of back and much later, dorsal particularly on long dive; dorsal fin
fin. visible shortly after blow.
DIVING
Dives for 10-20 min; surfaces and blows Dives 5-15 min (most often 6-7);
8-15 times, making a series of 12- to 15- surfaces steeply for 3-7 blows then
s dives between blows, then disappears dives rather steeply again; does not
again; sometimes raises flukes slightly show flukes on dive: on sounding, the
on last dive; on sounding, the maximum maximum height of back in the area of
height of back in the area of dorsal fin dorsal fin which is exposed is
which is exposed is approximately 4 approximately 2 times the height of the
times the height of the dorsal fin. dorsal fin.
GROUPING
Usually found singly or in pairs. Occasionally found singly or in pairs,
more often found in pods of six or seven
individuals; many pods, consisting of as
many as 50 animals, may be found in
small area.

See also comparison of fin whale and sei whale (p. 26).

Distribution

Though blue whales have been reported from the pack ice to Cristobal Harbor, Panama Canal Zone, their normal
range in the western North Atlantic is more limited. In spring and summer months (about April through at least
August) they can be expected in the northern portion of their range, at least as far north as the Arctic Circle,
feeding on the krill abundant in those waters. A small portion of the population may venture north, beyond the
Circle. In fall and winter the population moves south, presumably into temperate and perhaps to tropical waters.
Reliable records include animals from observations off Long Island and Ocean City, Md.
Though southern limits of the species are poorly known, there are no records from Florida or the West Indies and
no verified records from the Gulf of Mexico.
Summaries of blue whale distribution based on records when the species was more numerous indicate that they
were found during spring and summer months in some abundance on the Nova Scotian Banks, the St. Lawrence
Gulf and estuary, the Strait of Belle Isle, Grand Bank, and in the waters off the coasts of Iceland, southern
Greenland, and the Davis Straits and Baffin Bay. (Some individuals have entered the Hudson Strait but not
apparently Hudson Bay itself.)
Historically, a few animals apparently appeared off the coast of southeastern Canada as early as February. It was
speculated that from there a portion of the population underwent a migration from the Strait of Belle Isle north
through the Davis Straits to the waters off western Greenland. Some individuals entered the Gulf of St. Lawrence
after the ice was clear and remained behind until as late as November. In the fall months, certainly by November,
the northern portion of the population had begun retreating to the south in front of the advancing ice. The
remainder apparently also underwent this migration as well, since blue whales have historically been nearly absent
from Canadian waters during midwinter.
Many of the migrating individuals were assumed to continue south to temperate and, less frequently, to tropical
water where they calved. It should be emphasized that though all of the southward and the subsequent northward
migrations were presumed to be along pelagic routes, details were poorly documented.
Blue whales have been reported in both shallow inshore and deep oceanic zones.
Despite considerable attention in the popular literature to the plight of the blue whale populations and frequent
statements that they are near extinction, blue whale stocks in the western North Atlantic appear more abundant
than has been usually reported. While present stocks are far short of previous population sizes, which may have
exceeded 200,000 individuals worldwide, they should be sufficiently large for the species to continue their
increase, barring renewed exploitation.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded blue whales can be readily identified by 1) the large body size (to 85 feet [25.9 m]); 2) the broad flat
head; 3) the all-black baleen plates (270-395 in number), which are usually barely more than twice as long as they
are wide; and 4) the 55-88 ventral grooves extending to the navel or beyond (Table 2).
Depending on the state of decay and the position of the stranded specimen, any of the body characteristics
described for living animals may also be used to positively identify the specimen.

Figure 9.—Closeup views of
swimming blue whales off British
Columbia (top) and Baja California
(bottom). In both photos note the
broad rounded appearance of the
head and the single, prominent
central head ridge. In the animal on
the top note also the black baleen
plates, barely visible at the front of
the slightly open mouth. In the
animal on the bottom note the pattern
of light grayish-white mottling along
the back and the raised areas around
the blowholes. These features clearly
mark these animals as blue whales.
(Photos by R. M. Gilmore [top] and K.
C. Balcomb [bottom].)

Figure 10.—The dorsal fins of blue whales
may vary from distinctly triangular (top) to
broadly rounded (middle and inset) to
smoothly falcate in appearance (bottom).
Regardless of its shape, however, the fin is
always located well back on the tail and does
not become visible until long after the animal's
blow. (Photos by Japanese Whales Research
Institute, courtesy of H. Omura, mid-Pacific
[top]; S. Leatherwood, southern California
(middle and inset); and F. W. True, northern
North Atlantic, courtesy of U.S. National
Museum [bottom].)

Figure 11.—A blue whale swimming leisurely
at the surface off San Clemente Island, Calif.
Note that the blowholes, marked by the raised
areas on the top of the head, are still exposed
after the dorsal fin has become visible. Note
also the very small size and the shape of the
dorsal fin and its position well back towards
the tail. (Photo by S. Leatherwood.)

Figure 12.—A sequence showing
fast-swimming blue whales off
southern California. The animal
rises rather steeply to the surface
(a), emits a tall, vertical blow (b, c),
shows its broad bluish back,
mottled with grayish white, and its
small dorsal fin (d, e), and then
dives out of sight (f). When
swimming in this manner, blue
whales sometimes raise their tail
flukes slightly above the surface
before beginning their long dives
(g). (Photos by J. F. Fish [a-f] and K.
C. Balcomb [g].)

Figure 13.—Two views of blue whales
on the ramps of whaling stations in
Japan (top) and at Hermitage Bay,
Newfoundland (bottom). Note the
broad rounded appearance of the
head, the single central head ridge, and
the dark bluish-gray coloration,
interrupted only by mottlings of
grayish white. In the animal on the
bottom note the all-black baleen plates,
which are very broad relative to their
length. (Photos by Japanese Whales
Research Institute, courtesy of H.
Omura [top]; and F. W. True, courtesy
of U.S. National Museum [bottom].)

Figure 14.—Dead blue whales, harpooned and
afloat off the stern of a factory ship in the
Antarctic (top), and on the deck of a whaling
station in western Canada (bottom). In both,
note the numerous ventral grooves (from 55 to
85 or more) extending to the region of the
navel and sometimes beyond, and the light
coloration of the undersides of the flippers.
Even though grooves are often present above
the flippers, and occasionally even on the side
of the head, counts of ventral grooves are
usually made between the flippers. (Photos by
Japanese Whales Research Institute, courtesy of
H. Omura [top]; and G. C. Pike, courtesy of I.
MacAskie [bottom].)

FIN WHALE (B)
Balaenoptera physalus (Linnaeus 1758)

Other Common Names

Finback whale, finner, razorback, common rorqual.

Description

Fin whales have been reported to reach 79 feet (24 m). Females are slightly
larger than males of the same age.
The back is distinctly ridged towards the tail, prompting the common name
"razorback" whale.
The rostrum is narrower and more V-shaped than that of the blue whale and
has the same sort of single distinctive head ridge. The top of the head is flat,
though slightly less than that of the blue whale.

The dorsal fin is up to 24 inches (61 cm) tall; angled less than 40° on the
forward margin, located slightly more than one-third forward from the tail,
and appears on the surface shortly after the blow.
All individuals are dark gray to brownish black on the back and sides with
none of the mottling present on blue whales and are rarely as heavily
scarred as sei whales. Along the back, just behind the head, there is a
grayish-white chevron, with the apex along the midline of the back and the
arms of the chevron oriented posteriorly, which is sometimes distinctive and
may be visible as the animals surface to breathe. The undersides, including
the undersides of the flukes and flippers, are white. On the head, the dark
coloration is markedly asymmetrical, reaching farther down on the left than
on the right side. The right lower lip, including the mouth cavity, and the
right front baleen (approximately one-fifth to one-third) are yellowish
white. Occasionally the right upper lip is also white. The remainder of the
plates on the right side and all those on the left side are striped with
alternate bands of yellowish white and bluish gray. The fringes of the plates
are brownish gray to grayish white.

Natural History Notes

Fin whales are one of the most common baleen whale species in the world
and constitute a major portion of the whaling catch. They are reportedly one
of the fastest of the big whales (sei whales may be slightly faster) possibly
reaching burst speeds in excess of 20 knots, and were not an important
commercial species until the comparatively recent development of fast
catcher boats and the depletion of blue whale stocks.
A fin whale's blow can be from 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6.1 m) tall and has been
described as an inverted cone or an elongated ellipse.
Fin whales dive to at least 755 feet (230.1 m). This depth is probably deeper
than that of either blue or sei whales, a factor usually reflected in
differences among the surfacing, blowing, and diving characteristics of
these three species. When they are moving leisurely at the surface, fin
whales expose the dorsal fin shortly after the appearance of the blowholes,
slightly later than that of the sei whales. When they are surfacing from a
deeper dive, however, they surface at a steeper angle, blow, submerge the

blowholes, and then arch the back and dorsal fin high into the air before
beginning another long dive. In this species it can be generally stated that
the maximum amount of the back in the area of the dorsal fin which is
exposed above the surface as the animal sounds is approximately 2 times
the height of the dorsal fin. Fin whales do not show their tail flukes when
beginning a dive.
Unlike blue or sei whales, fin whales do breach on occasion. When they do
leap clear of the water, fin whales usually reenter with a resounding splash,
like that made by humpback and right whales and not smoothly, head first,
as minke whales often do.
Fin whales are sometimes found singly or in pairs but more often occur in
pods of six or seven individuals and many pods consisting of as many as 50
animals may be concentrated in a small area.
Fin whales calve and breed in winter, mostly in temperate waters.
Atlantic fin whales eat a wide variety of foods, including krill, capelin,
squid, herring, and lanternfish.

May Be Confused With

Fin whales may be confused with blue whales, sei whales, and, in the
southernmost portion of their range, with Bryde's whales. They may be
distinguished from the blue whales by differences in overall coloration,
coloration and shape of the head, and the size, position, and time of
appearance of the dorsal fin at the surface (see p. 19). After close
examination they may be distinguished from Bryde's whales by the
presence of three ridges along the head (of the Bryde's whale) and by the
smaller, more sharply pointed falcate dorsal fin of the Bryde's whale (see
Fig. 31). They may be distinguished from sei whales in the following
similar ways:

Fin Whale Sei Whale
DORSAL FIN
Slightly falcate, forms Sharply pointed and
angle of less than 40° falcate: forms angle of

with back slightly more greater than 40° with
than one-third forward back well more than
from tail. one-third forward from
tail.
SURFACING BEHAVIOR
Usually rise obliquely so Primarily skimmer
top of head breaks feeders; usually rise to
surface first; after surface at shallow angle
blowing, animal arches so that dorsal fin and
its back and rolls head are visible almost
forward exposing the simultaneously; when
dorsal fin on the long starting the long dive
dive; on sounding, the does not usually arch the
maximum amount of back as much as the fin
back in the area of the whale; on wsounding,
dorsal fin which is the maximum amount of
exposed is back in the area of the
approximately 2 times dorsal fin which is
the height of dorsal fin. exposed is
approximately 1 times
the height of the dorsal
fin.
BLOW
Tall (to 20 feet [6.1 m]); Similar shape but
inverted cone (point smaller—rarely taller
down) or elongated than 10-15 feet (3.1-4.6
ellipse. m).
DIVING
Dive for 5-15 (usually 6- Dive for 3-10 min;
7) min; blow 3-7 times usually blow at even
or more at intervals of intervals over long
up to several minutes, periods of time; often
then dive again. visible just below the

surface, even on longer
dives.
COLOR OF UNDERSIDES
White higher up on right Mostly gray; irregular
than on left side. whitish area on belly.
COLOR OF LOWER LIP
White on right, gray on Gray.
left.
BALEEN PLATES
Right one-fifth to one- Ash black with a blue
third in front white; all tinge and fine grayish
others alternate bands of bristles.
yellowish white and
bluish gray; bristles
grayish white.

Distribution

Fin whales are probably the most numerous and widely distributed large
whale species in the western North Atlantic.
Fin whales summer from below the latitude of Cape Cod, Mass., north to
the Arctic Circle. (They are frequently seen between New York and
Bermuda this time of year.) Within this zone they may sometimes be seen
very close to shore and appear to be concentrated between shore and the
1,000-fathom curve from at least lat. 41°20' to 57°00' N. In recent years
they have been reported in relatively large numbers in the Gulf of Maine
from March through June, off Newfoundland as early as June but increasing
to August, and entering Davis Straits and beyond in substantial numbers in
midsummer to late summer. There is some evidence that the animals
venturing farthest north are the largest individuals of the species.
Movements of the population(s) southward have usually begun by October,
though some fin whales sometimes remain in the northern seas sufficiently
long to become trapped in the ice and killed.

During winter the range of fin whales spreads out from the advancing ice
southward, reaching at least to the coast of Florida, into the Gulf of Mexico,
and to the Greater Antilles, though fin whales are not at all common in
tropical waters. During the winter many fin whales move into offshore
waters. Northward migrations probably begin in midspring.
Fin whales may be found in Cape Cod waters all year long.
There may be two or possibly three separate stocks of fin whales in the
western North Atlantic, one more northern cold-adapted stock and another
more southern stock. The ranges of the two stocks appear to overlap, such
that the winter range of the northern stock probably becomes the spring and
summer range of the more southern stock. The third stock may consist of an
isolated population in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded fin whales may be most readily identified by 1) the yellowish-
white coloration of the right front baleen and the right white lower lip; 2)
the numerous baleen plates (262-473 in number); 3) the numerous ventral
grooves (56-100 in number) extending to the navel and beyond (Table 2);
and 4) the broad, flat sharply pointed head with only a single head ridge.

Figure 15.—The heads of fin whales surfacing
to breathe off Japan and in the northern
North Atlantic (inset). When they can be
approached from the right side, fin whales can
be positively distinguished from the other
large balaenopterine species by the white
coloration of the right lower lip and the flat,
narrow head. Note also the single central head
ridge. (Photos by Japanese Whales Research
Institute, courtesy of H. Omura, and K. C.
Balcomb [inset].)

Figure 16.—A small group of fin whales off
British Columbia. Fin whales may be found in

groups of up to six or seven individuals and
these groups may congregate in feeding
grounds. (Photo by G. C. Pike, courtesy of I.
MacAskie.)

Figure 17.—The back of a harpooned fin
whale in the eastern North Pacific (left) and in
the North Atlantic (right). In both note the
light grayish-white chevrons just behind the
head. These chevrons are not usually very
distinctive in North Atlantic fin whales. In the
animal in the left photo note also the
prominent ridge along the back behind the
dorsal fin—a characteristic which prompted
the common name "razorback." (Photos
courtesy of Los Angeles Examiner [left] and K.
C. Balcomb [right].)

Figure 18.—Surfacing fin whales show the
head and blow, then the wheellike silhouette of
the back, and then the dorsal fin. Note that in
this species the dorsal fin is smaller and
located farther back than that of the sei whale
and appears on the surface later after the
animal's blow. (Photo from the northern North
Atlantic by K. C. Balcomb.)

Figure 19.—As they begin a long dive, fin
whales frequently arch the tail stock high into
the air, exposing the dorsal fin. Even on a long
dive, however, this species is not known to
throw its tail flukes high into the air or even to
raise them slightly, as blue whales sometimes
do when beginning a long dive. (Photo from off
Virginia by J. G. Mead.)

Figure 20.—Probably a fin whale (perhaps a
Bryde's whale) breaching in the eastern
tropical Pacific. This type of behavior has been
described for humpback, minke, and fin
whales but is far more common for the first
two species. Breaching fin whales often reenter
the water with a resounding splash, much like
humpback whales, but sometimes smoothly,
head first, as minkes sometimes do. (Photo by
K. D. Sexton, courtesy of National Marine
Fisheries Service.)

Figure 21.—A head-on view of a
fin whale stranded at Ormond
Beach, Fla. Note the flat narrow
appearance of the head and the
single, central head ridge. (Photo
by F. Essapian, courtesy of
Marineland of Florida.)

Figure 22.—In this partly flensed fin whale, at
Blanford, Nova Scotia, note the white lower lip

and the white baleen in the right front. [See
larger main image.] The inset photo shows the
right upper jaw of a fin whale with the baleen
intact. (Photos by H. E. Winn, and from the
North Pacific by Japanese Whales Research
Institute, courtesy of H. Omura [inset].)

Figure 23.—A fin whale on the ramp of the
whaling station also at Blanford, Nova Scotia.
Note the ventral grooves, 56 to 100 and
extending at least to the navel. (Photo by L.
Rigley.)

SEI WHALE (B)
Balaenoptera borealis Lesson 1828

Other Common Names

Pollack whale, sardine whale, Rudolphi's rorqual.

Description

Sei (pronounced "say") whales have been reported to reach 62 feet (19 m).

The snout is less acutely pointed than that of the fin whale but when viewed
from the side appears slightly arched. In general, the head is intermediate in
shape between that of the blue whale and that of the fin whale. The dorsal
fin, which is from 10 to 24 inches (25.4 to 61 cm) tall and strongly falcate
in adult animals, is located about two-thirds of the way back on the back,
farther forward than that of the blue or fin whales. Sei whales are dark steel
gray on the back and sides, and on the posterior portion of the ventral
surface. The body often has a galvanized appearance due to scars possibly
resulting from lamprey bites inflicted during migrations into warmer
waters. These scars may be dark gray to almost white in color. On the belly
there is a region of grayish white that is confined to the area of the ventral
grooves. Neither the flippers nor the tail flukes are white underneath. The
right lower lip and the mouth cavity, unlike those of the fin whale, are
uniformly gray. The baleen plates are uniformly grayish black with fine
grayish-white fringes. (A small number of sei whales have been noted to
have a few half-white plates near the front of the mouth, a feature which
might result in their confusion with fin whales.)

Natural History Notes

The blow of sei whales is an inverted cone rarely taller than 15 feet (4.6 m).
Sei whales are generally skimmer feeders and do not usually dive very
deeply. For that reason they usually surface at a shallower angle than fin
whales. The head rarely emerges at a steep angle (except when the whales
are chased). Instead, the blowholes and a major portion of the back,
including the dorsal fin, become visible almost simultaneously and remain
visible for relatively long periods of time. In this species it can be generally
stated that the amount of the back in the area of the dorsal fin which is
exposed above the surface as the animal sounds is approximately the same
height as the dorsal fin. When they begin another dive, sei whales do not
arch the tail stock or flukes high. Instead, they normally submerge by
slipping quietly below the surface, often remaining in view only a few feet
down and leaving a series of tracks or swirls on the surface as they move
their tail flukes. When they are feeding in this manner, sei whales may
exhibit a highly regular blowing and diving pattern over long periods of
time.

Sei whales usually travel in groups of from two to five individuals, though
they may concentrate in large numbers on the feeding grounds.
In the northern portion of their range, sei whales feed on copepods.
Throughout the remainder of the range, however, their food is more varied
and also includes krill and a variety of small schooling fishes. The species
derived its common name, in fact, from its frequent occurrence with or near
sei fish.

May Be Confused With

The sei whale's smaller size and decidedly taller, more falcate dorsal fin
located well more than one-third forward from the tail should prevent
confusion with the blue whale. At a distance, however, sei whales are
difficult to distinguish from either fin whales or Bryde's whales. The
primary clues for distinguishing them from fins are the differences in
swimming, blowing, and diving characteristics tabularized in detail on p. 26
and the asymmetrical coloration of the fin whale.
Sei whales may be distinguished from Bryde's whales only upon close
examination. The dorsal fin of Bryde's whales is small, to 18 inches (45.7
cm), sharply pointed, and often worn on the rear margin. If close
examination is possible, the sei whale will be seen to have only a single
head ridge. Bryde's whales have two additional ridges—one on each side of
the main ridge. Bryde's whales are primarily fish feeders and their diving
behavior more closely resembles that of a fin whale than that of a sei whale.
(See p. 37).

Distribution

The distribution and migrations of the sei whale during most of the year are
rather poorly known. The species is known to avoid the colder regions near
the pack ice and to range from Iceland south to the northeast Venezuelan
coast and the northeast and southwest Gulf of Mexico. There are also
records from Cuba and the Virgin Islands. Along the northeast United States
and eastern Canadian coasts, where most research on sei whales has been
conducted, the species migrates from New England through the Blanford,
Nova Scotia area in June and July, is found in small numbers off eastern

Newfoundland in August and September (abundant in Placentia Bay,
Newfoundland in August), and continues northward to the Davis Straits in
September and October. An offshore stock may be found year-round in the
Labrador Sea. The summer range (May to September or October) extends
from New England to southern Arctic waters. Though some individuals
remain behind through November, the southward movement of the bulk of
the population presumably begins in October. In general, sei whales do not
venture as far north as fin whales but may have a greater tendency to enter
tropical waters.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded sei whales are most likely to be confused with fin whales or
Bryde's whales. The three head ridges of the Bryde's whale (sei whales have
only one) assist in distinguishing sei whales from Bryde's whales. They
may be distinguished from fin whales and all other rorquals by the
following characteristics: 1) The color of the baleen plates—uniformly ash
black with a blue tinge and fine white bristles (Table 2). 2) The density of
bristles on the plates—sei whales have from 35 to 60 baleen fringes per
centimeter; all other rorquals have far fewer (less than 35). 3) The relative
lengths of the ventral grooves—the grooves of sei whales end well before
the navel; those of blue, fin, and Bryde's whales extend at least to the navel.
4) The relatively small numbers of ventral grooves (38-56)—both blue and
fin whales have more; Bryde's whales have approximately the same
number.
If the animal is not in an advanced state of decomposition, the region of
white coloration of the belly may also be visible.

Figure 24.—The head of a sei whale is
intermediate in shape between that of the blue
whale and that of the fin whale. When viewed
from the side it is slightly arched. Note the
single central head ridge, from just in front of
the blowholes to near the tip of the snout.
Bryde's whales, with which sei whales are
most likely to be confused in the tropical and
subtropical portions of their range, have two
auxiliary ridges, one on each side of the top of
the head, in addition to this main central
ridge. (Photo from the North Pacific by
Japanese Whales Research Institute, courtesy of
H. Omura.)

Figure 25.—Sei whales are dark gray on the
right lower lip. They can be distinguished
from fin whales, which have a white right
lower lip, by approaching them from the right
side. (Photo from the North Pacific by Japanese
Whales Research Institute, courtesy of H.
Omura.)

Figure 26.—Three views of swimming sei
whales. In all three, note the tall, distinctly

falcate dorsal fin (which has been described as
sickle or scimitar in shape) positioned farther
forward on the back than the fins of either the
fin whale or the blue whale. In the photo in the
middle, note that the dorsal fin has appeared
on the surface while the blowholes are still
open. Sei whales, generally skimmer feeders
and rather shallow divers, often show the
dorsal fin and much of the back for relatively
long periods as they surface to breathe.
(Photos from off central California, courtesy of
National Marine Fisheries Service [middle];
northeast of Hawaii by S. Ohsumi [left inset];
and from off Japan by Japanese Whales
Research Institute, courtesy of H. Omura [right
inset].)

Figure 27.—A freshly dead sei whale
from the Pacific (top) and a stranded
specimen in an advanced stage of
decomposition at Cape Island, S.C.
(bottom and inset). Note that even
though the distinctive coloration of
the fresh specimen has faded on the
rotting specimen, the numbers and
lengths of the ventral grooves (38 to
56 in number and stopping well short
of the navel) still permit the specimen
to be distinguished from fin, blue, and
Bryde's whales, in all of which the
grooves extend at least to the navel.
(Photos by Japanese Whales Research
Institute, courtesy of H. Omura [top];
and J. G. Mead [bottom and inset].)

Figure 28.—Dorsal view of a sei whale on the
deck of a whaling ship in the North Pacific.
Note the numerous scars on the body and the
otherwise dark gray coloration of the back.
(Photo by Japanese Whales Research Institute,
courtesy of H. Omura.)

Figure 29.—The right upper jaw of
the sei whale stranded at Cape
Island, S.C. The baleen plates, here
partly buried in the sand,
numbering from 318 to 340 per side
and uniform dark gray with fine
lighter gray bristles, continue to
serve as identifying characteristics
even on a badly decomposed
specimen. (Photo by J. G. Mead.)

BRYDE'S WHALE (B)
Balaenoptera edeni Anderson 1879

Other Common Names

None known.

Description

Bryde's whales reach a maximum length of approximately 46 feet (14 m).
They closely resemble sei whales in external appearance. At a distance, the
head of this species is similar in profile and general appearance to that of
the sei whale. The most distinctive field characteristic of the species,
however, is the presence of three ridges along the head anterior to the
blowhole. In addition to the medial ridge characteristic of all the other
balaenopterid species, Bryde's whales have two secondary ridges on the top
of the head—one along each side even with the blowhole running forward
towards the tip of the snout. If they can be examined at close range, Bryde's
whales can be positively identified by this character alone.
The dorsal fin of Bryde's whales is up to 18 inches (45.7 cm) tall, extremely
falcate, pointed on the tip, located well more than one-third forward from
the tail, and is often irregularly notched or frayed on the rear margin from
unknown causes. Bryde's whales are dark gray overall, though some
individuals, like some minke whales, have a small region of gray on each
side just forward of the dorsal fin.

Natural History Notes

Bryde's whales, like minke whales, reportedly often approach close to
vessels as if curious about them. During this time they may be examined
carefully and their identifying characteristics seen.
Though euphausiids may be an important food for this species in limited
areas, Bryde's whales often feed on schooling fish (including pilchards,
anchovies, herring, and mackerel). This food preference is reflected in the
diving behavior of the species. Bryde's whales are not "skimmer" feeders;
they are deeper divers. When they surface to breathe, they often rise more
steeply to the surface, exposing much of the head, roll the body sharply, and
hump up the tail stock before beginning another dive. In this species, as in
the fin whale, it can be generally stated that the amount of the back which is
exposed above the surface as the animal sounds is approximately twice the

height of the dorsal fin. They apparently do not raise the tail flukes when
beginning a dive.

May Be Confused With

At sea Bryde's whales may be confused with sei whales, fin whales, and
perhaps minke whales.
They may be most readily distinguished from sei whales by the
characteristics discussed on p. 32 and by differences in diving behavior. The
shallow-feeding sei whales surface and blow at regular intervals over long
periods of time. Bryde's whales are deeper divers, less likely to surface, and
blow at evenly spaced intervals. If they are seen only briefly or at a
distance, however, the two species may be impossible to differentiate.
During the winter months, when fin whales may venture into tropical
waters, they may also be confused with Bryde's whales. But fin whales
seldom exhibit curiosity about boats. In addition, the dorsal fin of the fin
whale is larger, is located farther back on the back than that of Bryde's
whale, and does not become visible as soon after the blow. It is also less
likely to be worn on the rear margin than that of a Bryde's whale.
The head of the fin whale is more acutely pointed. Furthermore, the right
lower lip and the right front baleen of the fin whale are white. The baleen
and the right lower lip of Bryde's whales are dark gray. If the animals can
be approached closely from the right side, positive identification is possible
using these differences in color.
Like Bryde's whales, minke whales often approach close to vessels. But
minke whales have an acutely pointed snout, a single head ridge, and a
white band on each flipper. Further, minke whales rarely reach 30 feet (9.1
m) in maximum length.

Distribution

The distribution of Bryde's whales is rather poorly known, no doubt in part,
because the species is difficult to positively identify at sea, and records of
its occurrence may have often been confused with those of sei whales, fin
whales, or minke whales. From stranded animals and confirmed sightings at

sea, the species appears to be found primarily near shore in areas of high
productivity in tropical or subtropical waters, though it ventures into
warmer temperate waters as well. It has been reported from Virginia south
into the northeast Gulf of Mexico and the southeast Caribbean, and
southern West Indies (Curacao and Granada). To date no migration has been
described for the species.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded Bryde's whales can be positively identified by the three ridges
along the top of the head from the area of the blowhole to the tip of the
snout. All other species of balaenopterid whales, except humpback whales
have but a single ridge. If the head of a stranded specimen is buried in sand,
is decomposed beyond recognition, or is otherwise inaccessible for
identification, Bryde's whales can still be distinguished from sei whales by
differences in the relative lengths of the ventral grooves (Table 2) and from
both the fin whale and the sei whale by differences in the characteristics of
the baleen plates (Table 2).

Figure 30.—On the head of this Bryde's whale
off La Jolla, Calif. two of the three head ridges
characteristic of the species, the main ridge
and the left auxiliary ridge, are clearly visible.
These ridges permit this animal to be
positively identified as a Bryde's whale. (Photo
by F. Morejohn.)

Figure 31.—Bryde's whales in the Gulf of
California and north of Hawaii (inset). In
both, note the tall, sickle-shaped appearance of
the dorsal fin, much like that of the sei whale.
In the animal in the larger photo note the
ragged rear margin of the dorsal fin, a
frequently observed characteristic in Bryde's
whales. In the animal on the left note also the
region of gray on the sides in front of the
dorsal fin. (Photos by W. C. Cummings and S.
Ohsumi [inset].)

Figure 32.—Stranded Bryde's whales at
Walnut Point, Va. (top) and Panacea,
Fla., Gulf of Mexico (bottom). In both
animals note the head shape similar to
that of the sei whale, and the three
distinct head ridges. In the animal on
the bottom, note that the two outermost
ridges have their origin in grooves
beside the blowholes. In the animal on
the top, note also the baleen plates, up
to at least 300 per side and dark gray
with coarse gray bristles. There is
infrequently a rather wide interval at
the front of the mouth between the left
and right rows of baleen. (Photos by
U.S. National Museum, courtesy of J. G.
Mead [top] and M. B. Rank, courtesy of
Wide World Photos [bottom].)

HUMPBACK WHALE (B)
Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski 1781)

Other Common Names

Humpbacked whale, bunch, hump whale, or hunchbacked whale.

Description

Humpback whales reach a length of 53 feet (16.2 m).
The body is robust, narrowing rapidly on the tail stock. The head is quite
broad and rounded, somewhat like that of the blue whale. The head ridge
characteristic of other balaenopterid species is indistinct and is replaced in
prominence by a string of fleshy "knobs" or protuberances, many more of
which are randomly distributed on the top of the head and on the lower jaw.
There is a distinctive rounded projection near the tip of the lower jaw.
Humpback whales carry many barnacles and whale lice. The baleen plates
are all black with black or olive-black bristles.
The flippers are very long (nearly a third as long as the body), are scalloped
on at least the leading edge, and are nearly all white.
The dorsal fin, located slightly more than two-thirds of the way back on the
back in approximately the same position as that of the fin whale, is small
and varies in size and shape from a small, triangular nubbin to a more
substantial, sharply falcate fin. The dorsal fin frequently includes a step or
hump, which is quite distinct when the animal arches its back to begin a
dive and from which the species derives its common name.
Humpback whales are basically black in color with a white region of
varying size on the belly, which upon close examination may often be seen
to be crosshatched with thin dark lines; the flippers and the undersides of
the flukes also are white.

Natural History Notes

The blow of humpback whales is from 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.1 m) tall and
has been described as balloon-shaped. It is wide relative to its height.

Feeding humpback whales habitually blow 4-8 times at intervals of 15-30 s
after a long dive. In the tropics they habitually blow 2-4 times in succession
when beginning a long dive. In diving, humpback whales throw the tail
flukes high into the air, exposing the sometimes white undersurface and the
rippled rear margin.
Humpback whales often leap clear of the water, raise a flipper, and slap it
against the water, or "lobtail," raising the tail high into the air and bringing
it crashing back to the water in a loud report. Often, particularly when they
are encountered on their tropical breeding grounds, humpback whales will
be found lying on their sides with a long flipper in the air.
Humpback whales feed on krill and schooling fish.

May Be Confused With

From a distance humpback whales may be confused with any of the other
large balaenopterid (rorqual) whales—blue, fin, sei, or Bryde's. Although it
is highly variable, the dorsal fin most closely resembles that of the blue
whale. However, it is located farther forward on the back. Humpback
whales distinguish themselves from the remainder of the rorquals by their
habit of raising the flukes high into the air when starting a long dive. (In
very shallow water they may not raise the flukes at all.) The only other
rorqual to do so—the blue whale—raises the flukes slightly or not at all.
Under some conditions humpback whales may be confused with sperm
whales at a distance. When arching the back to begin a dive, both may show
a distinct hump. Both species frequently raise their flukes nearly vertically
when beginning a long dive but differ in several ways. The flukes of
humpback whales show varying amounts of white beneath, are pointed on
the tips, and are distinctly concaved and irregularly rippled on the rear
margin. Those of sperm whales are all dark and more flattened and even
along the rear margin. Further the species can be distinguished in the
following ways:

Humpback Whale Sperm Whale
BLOW

Projects upwards from Projects obliquely
center of head. Usually forward from left side of
blows 4-8 times (2-4 snout. Usually blows
times in tropics) before many times (20-50 or
diving. more) before diving.
HEAD
Raised area around Blunted, long, smooth.
blowholes, knobs on
upper surface.
FLUKES
Often white underneath, Smooth, all black on
concaved and scalloped rear margin.
on rear margin, deeply
notched.
FLIPPERS
Extremely long (to one- Short; all black.
third of body), white and
scalloped on leading
edge.
DORSAL FIN (OR HUMP)
Triangular to falcate fin, Rounded hump, two-
including a step or hump thirds back on back
in front of the dorsal fin; followed by knuckles or
smooth. crenulations.

When they can be examined at close range, humpback whales can be easily
distinguished from all other large whale species with a dorsal fin by the
tuberosities or knobs on the head, by the long white flippers scalloped on
the leading edge, by the small distinctive dorsal fin, and by their distinctive
tail flukes.

Distribution

In the western North Atlantic, humpback whales are widely distributed from
north of Iceland, Disko Bay and west of Greenland, south to Venezuela and
around the tropical islands of the West Indies. They have been reported
from the central and eastern Gulf of Mexico. Summer ranges extend at least
from New England north to the pack ice, and feeding concentrations may be
found in any portion of this region. During winter, humpback whales
migrate southward to the shallow borderlands of Bermuda, to the Bahamas,
and to the West Indies to calve and mate.

Stranded Specimens

The most distinctive features of stranded humpback whales are 1) the
ventral grooves, 14-22 in number, very wide and extending to the navel; 2)
the tuberosities of the snout and lower jaw, often the sites of numerous
barnacle colonies; 3) the long flippers (to nearly a third of the total body
length); and 4) the distinctive rounded projection near the tip of the lower
jaw.
If these characteristics are not sufficiently clear, the species may be
identifiable by the characteristics of the baleen plates (Table 2).

Figure 33.—Three views of blowing
humpback whales. The blow of this
species is usually less than 10 feet (3.1
m) tall, wider than it is high, and has
been described as balloon-shaped. In
the photo on the top, the wind has
already begun to distort the blow. In
the photo on the bottom, two separate
columns are visible. All baleen whales
have a bipartite blowhole, and if an
observer is directly behind or in front
of either the right whale or the
humpback whale under ideal wind
conditions, the blows of these two
species may appear as two distinct
spouts. (Photos from West Indies by H.
E. Winn [top and middle] and from off
St. Augustine, Fla. by D. K. Caldwell
[bottom].)

Figure 34.—Head views of surfacing
humpback whales. Note the rather broad
rounded appearance of the top of the head and
the small head ridge, which extends from just
in front of the blowholes to near the tip of the
snout. In humpback whales the single central
head ridge characteristic of most
balaenopterid species is replaced in
prominence by a series of knobs, some of
which are oriented along the same line as the
head ridge. On the animal in the inset photo
note also the characteristic rounded projection
below the tip of the lower jaw, heavily
encrusted with barnacles. (Photos from off St
Augustine, Fla. by D. K. Caldwell and from
West Indies by H. E. Winn [inset].)

Figure 35.—A mother humpback whale with
her newborn calf off the northern West Indies.
Newborn humpback whales are from 12 to 15
feet (3.7 to 4.6 m) long and are colored like the
adults. Note the mother's long white pectoral
flipper, clearly visible below the surface.
(Photo by H. E. Winn.)

Figure 36.—Humpback whales fall
back into the water after breaching.
Note the long flippers, distinctly
scalloped on the leading edge. In the
animal on the top, note also the knobs
on the head, visible in profile, the
cluster of barnacles located on the
rounded projection below the tip of
the lower jaw, and the throat grooves.
(Photos off Baja California by K. C.
Balcomb [top] and off Bermuda by C.
Levenson [bottom].)

Figure 37.—Often, particularly on their
tropical breeding grounds, humpback whales
lie on their sides at the surface, the long white
pectoral flipper in the air. Note the
pronounced scalloping on the leading edge.
(Photos near West Indies by C. McCann [top]
and H. E. Winn [bottom].)

Figure 38.—A series showing the
extreme variability in dorsal fin
shapes of humpback whales: (a) a
small ridge, (b) slightly falcate, (c)
triangular with a pronounced hump,
(d) slightly rounded, (e) distinctly
rounded, and (f) taller and more
distinctly falcate. (Photos from
northern West Indies by H. E. Winn [a,
c, e] and C. McCann [b]; off Baja
California by K. C. Balcomb [d]; and
off St. Augustine, Fla. by D. K.
Caldwell [f].)

Figure 39.—The humpback whale is
the only large whale species with a
distinct dorsal fin which regularly
raises its tail flukes when beginning a
long dive. When it does so, the
scalloped trailing edge is often visible
(f, g, h). When the diving whale is seen
from the rear, the varying degree of
white coloration on the undersides of
the flukes aids in identification (h).
(Photos from northern North Atlantic
by K. C. Balcomb [a-f], from West
Indies by C. McCann [g], and from off
Massachusetts by W. A. Watkins [h].)

Figure 40.—Detail of the head of a humpback
whale harpooned off Japan. Note the knobs
along the top of the head and on the lower jaw,
the rounded projection near the tip of the
lower jaw and the wide ventral grooves. The
large mass of tissue to the left of the animal is
its tongue. In the inset photo from a Canadian
whaling station, note the baleen plates, less
than 3 feet (0.9 m) long and dark olive green to
black in color. (Photos by Japanese Whales
Research Institute, courtesy of H. Omura; and
J. G. Mead [inset].)

Figure 41.—A humpback whale on the deck of
a whaling station in western Canada. All of the

species' most distinctive characteristics are
evident in this photograph: (1) the hump and
the dorsal fin; (2) the knobs on the top of the
snout; and (3) the long flipper, with numerous
barnacles attached to its leading edge. (Photo
by G. C. Pike, courtesy of I. MacAskie.)

Figure 42.—North Atlantic
humpback whales have from 14 to 20
broad, widely spaced ventral grooves
which extend about to the navel.
Those grooves remain good diagnostic
characters for considerable periods
after the animal's death, as evidenced
in the freshly killed specimen from
Newfoundland (top) and the badly
decomposed stranded animal from

New Jersey (bottom). (Photos from
U.S. National Museum, courtesy of J.
G. Mead.)

Large Whales Without a Dorsal Fin

BOWHEAD WHALE (B)
Balaena mysticetus Linnaeus 1758

Other Common Names

Greenland whale, Arctic right whale, great polar whale.

Description

Bowhead whales, so-called because of the high-arching jaws and the
resultant contour of the head, reach a maximum length of about 65 feet
(19.8 m). They are extremely robust in form.
When viewed from the side, some swimming bowhead whales show two
characteristic curves to the back: the first extends from the tip of the snout
to just behind the blowholes; the second, encompassing the entire back,
begins just behind the head and extends all the way to the tail. This
character may be present only in adult animals and may be more
pronounced in males. Younger animals, particularly females, are often
stubbier and somewhat barrel-shaped behind the head. In all animals the
back is smooth, lacking even a trace of a dorsal fin.
The head of the bowhead whale is smooth, black, and without the bonnet
and the "rock-garden," the colorful clusters of callosities characteristic of
the black right whale. The blowholes are widely separated, and the blow
emanating from them projects upward as two separate, distinct spouts.
Though two separate columns sometimes may be visible under windless
conditions in the blows of most mysticetes, this feature is exaggerated and
is most characteristic in the bowhead and right whales.

Bowhead whales are black overall, except for a white "vest" of uneven
coloration on the chin. Within that vest, near the sides of the white zone,
there may be a series of grayish black to black spots, which on some
animals have been likened to a string of beads. The vest is clearly visible
when a surfacing animal is viewed from the front or the side or when the
animals hang vertically in the water with the head on the surface and the tail
flukes down, as they do during periods of early spring mating.

Natural History Notes

Bowhead whales are usually found singly or in groups of up to three
animals, though fall concentrations may include up to 50 animals.
Bowhead whales sometimes breach, throwing most of the body clear of the
surface and reentering with a resounding splash.

May Be Confused With

Bowhead whales are the only species of large whales found routinely in
Arctic waters. Though other species, including some of the balaenopterid
whales and the right whale, may venture north as far as the southern limits
of the bowhead whale and beyond, they usually do so in the spring and
summer, at a time when the bowhead whales are farther to the north. Even
if they are encountered together, bowhead whales can be distinguished from
all the balaenopterid whales by the absence of a dorsal fin. Bowhead whales
have neither a fin nor the slightest trace of a dorsal fin or ridge, while all the
balaenopterids have a dorsal fin; and their back is extremely smooth, like
that of the right whale. The bowhead and right whales may be readily
distinguished from one another by the characters listed below for stranded
specimens.

Distribution

Though bowhead whales in the western North Atlantic were once
distributed from Arctic waters, from the edge of the ice, south as far as the
Strait of Belle Isle and the St. Lawrence River in such abundance that they
were once referred to simply as "the whale," overwhaling through the 19th
century until as recently as 1911 has severely reduced their numbers and

restricted their modern range. Today in addition to the more abundant
populations of the Bering, Beaufort, and Chukchi seas and the Sea of
Okhotsk, there are populations off eastern Greenland and in Davis Straits,
Baffin Bay, James Bay, and the adjacent waters. Within these ranges,
bowhead whales move southward in front of the advancing ice floes and
may be expected near the southern limits of their range from September or
October through the early spring months. Populations in the western North
Atlantic appear to be increasing slowly.

Stranded Specimens

In addition to the fact that their ranges may overlap only slightly if at all,
bowhead whales may be distinguished from the other right whales of the
western North Atlantic by differences in 1) primary distribution, 2)
coloration, 3) lengths of the longest baleen plates, and 4) presence of
callosities.

Bowhead Whale Right Whale
DISTRIBUTION
Arctic distribution south Texas, southwest Florida
to Davis Straits only north to Iceland,
during winter. reaching northern limits
only during spring and
summer.
COLORATION
Black with white "vest" Sometimes black often
on front part of lower brown or mottled with
jaw, sometimes regions of white on chin
containing a string of and belly; patches of
black spots; upper jaw yellowish to pink
lacks the "rock garden." callosities and lice
encrusting the snout in
what has been called a
"rock garden."

BALEEN PLATES
325-360 per side; plates 250-390 per side 12
to 14 inches (35.6 cm) at inches (30.5 cm) at base
base and longest plates and up to 7.2 feet (2.2
up to 14 feet (4.3 m) m) long. Dirty gray with
long. Dark gray or black black fringes; some
with gray fringes; anterior plates partly or
anterior margin of some completely white.
plates whitish, showing
green iridescence in
sunlight.
BONNET AND OTHER CALLOSITIES
Not present. Present.

Figure 43.—Swimming adult bowhead whales,
particularly males, often show two
characteristic humps or curves to the back—
one on the head, ending just behind the
blowholes, and a larger curve from just behind
the blowholes to near the flukes; the second is

accentuated when the animal humps up to
begin a dive. (Photo by J. Lentfer.)

Figure 44.—Bowhead whales have no dorsal
fin. The back is smooth and black, though
often irregularly spaced white or grayish scars
of unknown origin appear. (Photos by J.
Lentfer.)

Figure 45.—The unusually shaped head and
the broad lower jaw, colored by a broad white
vest, are evident in the swimming bowhead
whale (left) and in both members of the
copulating pair (right). Also evident on the
animal to the far left is the "string of black
beads" which is sometimes found in the white
region. (Photos by J. Lentfer.)

Figure 46.—A harpooned bowhead whale (this
one from the Alaskan population). Note the
high arching upper jaw of the species.
Bowhead whales have up to at least 360 plates
per side, far more than the black right whale.
The longest plates, located near the middle of
each jaw, are reported to reach 12 feet (3.7 m),
or more, in length. (Photo by D. R. Patten.)

RIGHT WHALE (B)
Eubalaena glacialis (Borowski 1781)

Other Common Names

Black right whale, Biscayan right whale, Biscay whale, Nordcaper right
whale.

Description

These right whales reach a length of about 53 feet (16.2 m).

The body is rotund and completely lacking a dorsal fin or a dorsal ridge.
The upper jaw is long, narrow, and highly arched. The lips are similarly
highly arched. The top of the head has a series of bumps or callosities, the
largest one of which is known as the "bonnet," on the upper surface in front
of the blowholes. Yellowish-brown lice and, less frequently, barnacles grow
on the callosities. The color and extent of the callosities varies from one
individual to the next.
The two blowholes are widely separated, resulting in the projection of the
blow upward as two distinct spouts. The body is dark on the back,
sometimes black, more often brown or mottled, usually has a region of
white on the chin and belly, and sometimes has numerous small grayish-
white scars of unknown origin. The baleen plates are up to 7.2 feet (2.2 m)
long, very narrow, and variable in color from dark brownish through dark
gray to black in color. When the animals swim, mouth agape near the
surface, the baleen sometimes appears pale yellowish gray in color.

Natural History Notes

Right whales are usually not wary of boats and may often be approached
very closely.
Like sperm and humpback whales, they usually throw their flukes high into
the air when beginning a long dive.
Right whales feed primarily on copepods.
Historically, this whale was nearly exterminated by hunters, who took
advantage of its slow speed and who knew that its carcass floats, to harvest
these animals for their great yield of whalebone and oil. It was these
characteristics which prompted whalers to dub these animals the "right"
whales to kill (as opposed to the ones that were too fast to catch and sank
when killed).

May Be Confused With

The distinct blow of the right whales and their smooth dark back, devoid of
any traces of a dorsal fin, make it unlikely that the species will be confused
with any other large whales except, perhaps, the bowhead whale. In the

event that the expansion of their ranges again causes these two species to
overlap in distribution, they can be distinguished from one another by the
characteristics discussed on p. 49.
If only the flukes are seen as the animal begins a dive, right and bowhead
whales may be distinguished from the other two species of large whales
exhibiting this behavior, the sperm and the humpback, in this way: the
flukes of right and bowhead whales are broad, pointed on the tips, greatly
concave towards a deep fluke notch, and dark below: those of the sperm
whale are more nearly triangular, while those of the humpback whale have a
jagged irregular or rippled rear margin and are sometimes variously white
below.

Distribution

Like its more northern relative, the bowhead whale, the right whale was
once the object of a widespread and extensive whale fishery, which reduced
the species to critically low numbers.
Though the former range of right whales is not clearly known, the species is
thought to have been abundant from the Davis Straits south at least to the
Carolinas and Bermuda and to have occurred in winter to Florida and
perhaps into the Gulf of Mexico.
Currently, right whales are known from Iceland south to Florida. Animals
move north along the eastern Florida coast between early January and late
March. During this time the species has also been observed in the Gulf of
Mexico off southwestern Florida and Texas. Right whales pass the coast of
New England in fair numbers in spring and continue as far north as at least
Nova Scotia. Right whales are also found off Iceland, though the migration
routes to and from Iceland waters are not known. The recent apparent
increases in numbers at the northern and southern coastal approaches in
New England and Florida, respectively, lend credibility to the hopeful
contention that the species will again recolonize its historical range.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded right whales can be easily identified by all the characters
discussed on p. 49 and summarized in Table 2.

Figure 47.—The V-shaped blow characteristic
of right whales. Note the two distinct spouts,
bushy in appearance. (Photo off Cape Cod by
W. A. Watkins.)

Figure 48.—A right whale off the northeastern
Florida coast. Note the robust body, the
smooth back, completely lacking a dorsal fin,
and the narrow rostrum, bearing the
characteristic yellowish callosities. Right
whales, primarily mothers with calves, show
up on the Florida coast in the early spring on
their slow annual migration to the north.
(Photo by N. Fain, courtesy of Marineland of
Florida.)

Figure 49.—Closeup views of the heads of
right whales off northeastern Florida (top left
and right) and off Cape Cod, Mass. (bottom
left) clearly showing the narrow upper jaw, the
bonnet, and the widely separated blowholes.
In the photo on the bottom left note the
extremely long baleen plates, characteristic of
bowhead and right whales. (Photos by N. Fain,
courtesy of Marineland of Florida [top left and
right]; and W. A. Watkins [bottom left].)

Figure 50.—Right whales
frequently throw their tail flukes
high into the air and then slip
nearly vertically beneath the
surface. Note that the rear margin
of the flukes of this species, unlike
that of the humpback whale, is
smooth, broad, and concaved
distinctly towards a deep fluke
notch. (Photos from the northern
North Atlantic by K. C. Balcomb [a-
g] and off northeastern Florida by N.
Fain, courtesy of Marineland of
Florida [h].)

Figure 51.—A stranded right whale at
Narragensett Bay, R.I. Note the narrow, highly
arched lower jaw; the extremely long, narrow
baleen plates, reaching lengths of 6.5 feet (2.0
m), or more; and the bonnet (the protuberance
near the tip of the upper jaw). (Photo from
U.S. National Museum, courtesy of J. G. Mead.)

Figure 52.—A ventral view of a harpooned
female right whale at Newfoundland. Note
that this species, like the bowhead, lacks the
series of ventral grooves which characterize all
other baleen whales of the western North
Atlantic. Note also the absence of the vest of

white on the chin, a feature which is
characteristic of the bowhead whale. Some
right whales, however, do have extensive
regions of white on the ventral surface,
including the chin. (Photo from U.S. National
Museum, courtesy of J. G. Mead.)

SPERM WHALE (T)
Physeter catodon Linnaeus 1758

Other Common Names

Cachalot, Sea Wap (St. Vincent).

Description

Male sperm whales have been reported to reach a length of 69 feet (20.9
m), though today individuals larger than 50 feet (15.2 m) are rare. Females
are much smaller, rarely exceeding 38 feet (11.6 m).
A sperm whale is among the easiest of whales to identify at sea even when
comparatively little of the animal is visible. It has a huge head, which
comprises from a fourth to a third of the animal's total length. (The
proportion is considerably higher for males than for females.) The blunted
"squarish" snout, which may project up to 5 feet (1.5 m) beyond the tip of
the lower jaw, houses a large reservoir containing a high-quality oil called
spermaceti.
The single blowhole is located well to the left of the midline and far
forward on the head. As a consequence the small bushy blow, usually less
than 8 feet (2.4 m), emerges forward at a sharp angle from the head and
towards the left. Under good wind conditions this feature alone may permit
positive identification of sperm whales even at considerable distances.
Sperm whales have a distinct dorsal hump, usually rounded in its
appearance about two-thirds of the way back from the tip of the snout.

Immediately behind the hump is a series of knuckles or crenulations along
the midline. This hump and the crenulations are clearly visible when the
animals arch the tail before beginning a dive. There is a ventral keel, which
may also be visible as animals "sound" (dive). The flukes of sperm whales
are broad and triangular in shape, are not concaved, but are deeply notched
on the rear margin.
Sperm whales usually are dark brownish gray in color. The body has a
"corrugated" or "shriveled" appearance. The belly and the front of the head
may be grayish to off-white. The skin around the mouth, particularly near
the corners, is white. The undersides of the flukes and flippers vary in color
through numerous shades of browns and brownish grays.

Natural History Notes

Sperm whales may dive to depths in excess of 3,270 feet (996.7 m) for
periods of an hour or more. As do most whales upon surfacing from a deep
dive, sperm whales emit a single explosive blow and then, depending on the
length of the dive, may remain on the surface for over 10 min and blow
more than 50 times before beginning the next dive. Shorter periods on the
surface and fewer blows are more common. Females may dive and remain
on the surface for shorter periods of time than males. When beginning a
deep dive, sperm whales throw their broad triangular flukes, dark on the
undersides, high into the air.
Sperm whales may be found singly or in groups of up to 35 or 40
individuals. Older males are usually solitary except during the breeding
season. During the remainder of the year large groups may be bachelor
bulls (sexually inactive males) or nursery schools containing females and
juveniles of both sexes. Sperm whales are seldom found in less than 600
feet (182.9 m) of water.
Sperm whales feed primarily on squid but may occasionally also take
octopuses and a variety of fishes.

May Be Confused With

Because of their distinctive head shape and blow, sperm whales are unlikely
to be confused with any other species when they can be closely examined.
If only the back and tail flukes are seen, however, sperm whales may
somewhat resemble humpback whales. Both species arch the back when
beginning a dive, raising the fin or hump, and both throw the tail flukes.
The most distinctive differences between the two species are tabularized on
p. 40.
At sea the head of a sperm whale may also somewhat resemble that of an
adult male northern bottlenosed whale, but this latter species is lighter
brown in color, has a distinct beak and a prominent dorsal fin, and is rarely
found south of lat. 42°N. In addition, the blowhole of the northern
bottlenosed whale is located well back on the head and not—as in the sperm
whale—on the front.

Distribution

Sperm whales are widely distributed in oceanic areas of the western North
Atlantic. They may be encountered from Venezuela north at least as far as
the Davis Straits, though they apparently avoid the polar ice fields.
Distribution and migrations vary between males and females. Males range
farther to the north, while females and immature males remain between lat.
30° and 50°N. Both groups shift northward during spring and summer and
return to southern portions of their range in the fall. Adult males arrive off
the New England coast in August. Those reaching the Newfoundland and
Labrador coasts arrive from the deep sea, perhaps following the slope
contours, in August and September. Males are abundant as far north as
southeast Greenland and Iceland in summer. Some animals remain as late as
November, but the majority migrate south to temperate or tropical waters in
the early fall.
Historically the primary grounds in the western North Atlantic were those in
all the following areas: the Grand Banks just southeast of the southern
Grand Banks from lat. 30° to 40°N and long. 35° to 55°W, off the
Carolinas, around the Bahamas, around many of the West Indies, and in the
southwestern Caribbean.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded sperm whales should be easy to identify. The very narrow
underslung jaw contains from 18 to 25 functional teeth, which fit into
sockets in the upper jaw. The huge, distinctly box-shaped head and the
position of the single blowhole to the left front of the head are unmistakable
clues.

Figure 53.—An aerial view of 21 sperm
whales, including two young calves and several
large males, off Japan. Even from an aircraft,
the position of the blowhole and the body
shape clearly mark these animals as sperm
whales. (Photos by Suisan Koku Company,
courtesy of T. Kasuya.)

Figure 54.—A side view of a sperm whale in
the West Indies, showing the distinctive blow.
Note that the spout projects obliquely forward
from the blowhole, which is displaced to the
left front of the head. (Photo by H. E. Winn.)

Figure 55.—Note the distinctive body shape
and the position of the blowhole of these
swimming sperm whales, and, in the animal on
the left, the broad tail flukes. (Photos from the
North Atlantic by S. Green [left] and from the
North Pacific by S. Ohsumi [right].)

Figure 56.—A sperm whale mother and calf
off Baja California, showing the distinct dorsal
hump and the extremely long head. In the
bottom photo, from the West Indies, note the
dorsal hump and the crenulations of bumps
which follow it. Both the hump and the
crenulations may be visible as the animal
arches its tail to begin a deep dive. Note also
the wrinkled appearance of the body. (Photo
by K. C. Balcomb [top] and H. E. Winn
[bottom].)

Figure 57.—Sperm whales often show their
broad tail flukes as they begin long dives,

which may last over an hour and take them to
depths of several thousand feet or more. Note
the smooth rear margin and the nearly
triangular shape of the flukes. (Photo from off
Baja California by K. C. Balcomb.)

Figure 58.—A stranded infant male
sperm whale at Melbourne Beach, Fla.
(top) and a male adult sperm whale on
the deck of a whaling ship in the
Pacific (bottom). Note the bulging
forehead, the narrow, underslung
lower jaw, the white coloration around
the mouth, particularly at the corners,
and the wrinkled appearance of the
body. In the bottom photo note also
the whitish region on the belly. (Photos

by P. Winfield [top] and Japanese
Whales Research Institute, courtesy of
H. Omura [bottom].)

Figure 59.—The narrow lower jaw of a sperm
whale contains from 18 to 25 large functional
teeth, which fit neatly into sockets in the upper
jaw. Occasionally, the upper jaw also contains
some teeth. (Photo from the North Pacific by
Japanese Whales Research Institute, courtesy of
H. Omura.)

Figure 60.—The throat and lower jaw of a
sperm whale on the deck of an eastern
Canadian whaling station, showing the
numerous short throat grooves, which are
most clearly evident on adult animals. (Photo
by J. G. Mead.)

Figure 61.—Detail of the broad, paddle-
shaped flipper of a sperm whale from the

North Pacific. (Photo from Japanese Whales
Research Institute, courtesy of H. Omura.)

Medium-sized Whales With a Dorsal Fin

MINKE WHALE (B)
Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lacepede 1804

Other Common Names

Little piked whale, lesser rorqual, little firmer, sharp-headed finner,
grampus (Newfoundland), gibord (Quebec).

Description

Minke whales are the smallest baleen whale species in the northern
hemisphere, reaching maximum lengths of just over 30 feet (9.1 m). One of
the most distinctive features of this species is an extremely narrow, pointed,
distinctly triangular rostrum with a single head ridge, similar to but much
sharper than that of the fin whale (hence the common name "sharp-headed
finner"). Minke whales have a tall, falcate dorsal fin located in the latter
third of the back, in about the same position as that of the sei whale, which
often becomes visible simultaneously with the low, usually inconspicuous
blow.
Minke whales are black to dark gray on the back and white on the belly and
on the underside of the flippers. Portions of the underside of the flukes may
be steel bluish gray. They have a diagonal band of white on each flipper, the
extent and orientation of which varies individually.
Like the fin whale, minke whales (at least from the Pacific) sometimes have
a chevron on the back behind the head and often have two regions of
lightish-gray coloration on each side—one just above and behind the
flippers; another just in front of and below the dorsal fin. These patches
may be quite conspicuous on some animals, indetectable on others. These

markings may also be present on Atlantic specimens, though they have not
yet been documented. The baleen, which may be visible from close range
when the animal is feeding, is mostly yellowish white with fine white
bristles. The posterior plates (up to half) may be brown to black.

Natural History Notes

Minke whales are frequently found as single animals, pairs, or trios, though
they may congregate in areas of food concentration in the northern seas
during the spring and summer. They are more likely to be seen up close
than their larger cousins—the blue, fin, and sei whales—because they often
closely approach boats, particularly stationary boats, as if curious about
them.
Minke whales may also approach very close to shore and often enter bays,
inlets, and estuaries.
Like fin whales, they often arch the tail stock high into the air when
beginning a long dive. However, they do not raise the flukes above the
surface when beginning a dive.
Minke whales feed primarily on small shoal fish (herring, cod, pollack, and
capelin).
Minkes sometimes breach, leaping completely clear of the water and
entering smoothly, head first, or with a substantial splash like humpback
whales.

May Be Confused With

When they are seen at relatively close range, minke whales can be readily
distinguished from the other rorquals that have relatively tall, falcate dorsal
fins (fin, sei, and Bryde's whales) by their considerably smaller size and by
their distinctive white band on each flipper.
At a distance, however, positive identification may be difficult. Minke
whales have a small, low, inconspicuous blow. Like sei whales, they
frequently expose the dorsal fin simultaneously with the blow, but minke

whales hump the tail stock much higher when beginning a long dive—more
like fin whales.
From a distance, minke whales might also be mistaken for northern
bottlenosed whales (or any of several other beaked whales with a similar
dorsal fin). They can be distinguished by the differences in head shape,
body color and markings, and behavior, detailed on p. 67.

Distribution

Minke whales are distributed in the polar, temperate, and tropical waters of
the western North Atlantic. They are found from the pack ice south to at
least Anguilla, Lesser Antilles, and the eastern Gulf of Mexico, though they
appear to be most abundant in temperate waters north of the latitude of New
York and are infrequently reported from tropical waters. At least some of
the population migrates to the northern portions of their range in spring and
back south in autumn. They often approach close to shore and enter river
mouths, inlets, and estuaries.
Minke whales arrive along the Canadian coast in May or June. Some
migrate as far north as Hudson Strait, where they remain until the freeze in
October, November, or December. By December the majority of the
population has begun to move to the south, although some animals remain
behind so long as to become entrapped in the ice and die. Spring and
summer concentrations along the Canadian coast correspond to
concentrations of capelin, cod, and herring. Southern concentrations, also
corresponding with concentrations of herring, extend farther offshore at
least to the edges of the Grand Bank. Minke whales also summer off the
south coast of western Greenland, which they probably reach from waters
southwest of Iceland. Minke whales also occur in deep pelagic waters.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded minke whales can be most readily identified by: 1) their small size
(to just over 30 feet [9.1 m]); 2) the transverse white bands on the flippers;
3) the yellowish-white baleen plates (up to half the posteriormost plates
may be brown or black), 300-325 per side in number and having fine white
bristles (the plates are up to 4.75 inches [12 cm] wide at the base and up to

8 inches [20.3 cm] long); and 4) by the 50-70 thin ventral grooves, ending
well before the navel, often just even with the flippers.

Figure 62.—The minke whale, at a maximum
length of just over 30 feet (9.1 m), the smallest
baleen whale species of the western North
Atlantic, is distributed in polar, temperate,
and tropical waters. These animals usually
have a low, inconspicuous blow and are
sometimes curious enough about boats that
they will alter their course to investigate them.
Note the two areas of light gray on the sides of
the body, characteristic of at least Pacific
minke whales. (Photo from off British
Columbia, courtesy of Nanaimo Free Press.)

Figure 63.—Three views of minke
whales at sea. In all note the
transverse band of white on the
flippers and the sharply pointed
head. Note the gray chevron visible
on the back (top), the absence of a
conspicuous blow and the
appearance of the prominent dorsal
fin on the surface while the
blowholes are still exposed (middle),
and the distinctive regions of light
gray on the sides (bottom). (Photos
from off San Diego, Calif. by G. E.
Lingle [top]; from the northern West
Indies by H. E. Winn [middle]; and
from the western Pacific by Japanese
Whales Research Institute, courtesy
of H. Omura [bottom].)

Figure 64.—Minke whales are also known as
sharp-headed finners. On this animal from the
North Pacific, note the sharply pointed head
and the single central head ridge. (Photo by
Japanese Whales Research Institute, courtesy of
H. Omura.)

Figure 65.—A minke whale stranded at Santa
Barbara, Calif. Note the dark back, the white-
banded flipper, and the 60-70 fine ventral
grooves extending to just behind the flippers.

The short, white baleen plates are visible in
the open mouth. (Photo by S. Anderson.)

Figure 66.—Minke whales have from 300 to
325 short, yellowish-white baleen plates (up to
half the anteriormost plates may be brown or
black) with fine white bristles on each upper
jaw. (Photo from Santa Barbara, Calif. by S.
Anderson.)

NORTHERN BOTTLENOSED WHALE (T)
Hyperoodon ampullatus (Forster 1770)

Other Common Names

None known.

Description

Northern bottlenosed whales reach a length of 32 feet (9.8 m) and are
robust in form. They are characterized by a bulbous forehead, which is
more pronounced on larger animals and most distinctive in adult males, and
by the dolphinlike beak displayed in animals of all sizes and ages, which is
sometimes visible as the animals surface steeply to breathe.
The blowhole is located in an indented area behind the bulbous forehead,
and the blow emanating from it projects upward or slightly forward to a
height of up to 6 feet (1.8 m), is bushy and is visible from a considerable
distance under low wind conditions. The dorsal fin, located two-thirds of
the way back on the back, reaches at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) in height and
is distinctly falcate. The dorsal fin may be visible from a distance of several
hundred meters.
Northern bottlenosed whales are usually brownish in color, though the
markings change with age. Smaller animals are a uniform chocolate brown.
Larger animals retain the chocolate brown color on the back but are often
lighter on the sides and the belly and often have irregular patches or
blotches of grayish-white coloration on the back and sides. Extremely large
animals, presumably older males, often have a white head. The flippers and
the undersides of the flukes are uniformly brown in color.

Natural History Notes

Northern bottlenosed whales often form tightly packed groups of up to 10
or more animals. This species holds the anecdotal record for the longest
dives, having been reported by early whalers to remain submerged over 2 h.
They are probably deep divers, feeding primarily on squid (though they
may take fishes as well), and they rarely go in water shallower than 100
fathoms (183 m).
After a long dive, northern bottlenosed whales will sometimes remain on
the surface for 10 min or more, blowing at regular intervals before making
another dive. After the last blow of a series or when the animals are startled
by a boat, they may show the tail flukes as they begin to dive. The flukes
are not notched on the rear margin.
Northern bottlenosed whales have been observed to show curiosity about
boats, coming to them from a considerable distance. They have also been

observed to "lobtail," raising the tail flukes above the water and slapping
them against the surface, and to jump clear of the water.
In the late 19th century, after stocks of bowhead whales were severely
reduced by overwhaling, northern bottlenosed whales became a prime target
of arctic whalers. They were sought because in addition to whale oil
produced from the body blubber, the forehead of the species yielded
quantities of spermaceti like that obtained from sperm whales.

May Be Confused With

Northern bottlenosed whales have a northerly and deep-water distribution.
Within their range, they may be confused at a distance with minke whales,
with sperm whales, or perhaps with North Sea beaked whales.
Minke whales (p. 63) have a falcate dorsal fin located in approximately the
same position as that of the northern bottlenosed whale. However, minke
whales have a flathead in front of their two blow holes and are black to dark
gray on the back.
Sperm whales (p. 57) have a squarish head that may somewhat resemble
that of an adult male northern bottlenosed whale. However, there are
numerous characteristics which will permit these species to be distinguished
even from a distance:

Northern Bottlenosed
Sperm Whale
Whale
BLOW
Low and bushy; projects Low and bushy, projects
upward from indentation obliquely forward from
on top of head. left side of head; usually
less than 8 feet (2.4 m).
COLORATION
Lighter brown; adults Brownish gray; body
splotched with grayish appears wrinkled.
white; body smooth.

FLUKES
Rarely notched; seldom Notched; raised on long
raised on long dive. dive.
HEAD
Tapering in younger Squarish, long, all black;
animals; bulbous in bbeakless.
adults; white in older
animals; beaked.

A further aid to distinguishing northern bottlenosed and sperm whales at sea
is the fact that the sperm whales that are found in areas where northern
bottlenosed whales are encountered are usually older, larger males from 40
to 60 feet (12.2 to 18.3 m) long. Northern bottlenosed whales do not exceed
32 feet (9.8 m).
Northern bottlenosed whales may also be confused with the poorly known
North Sea beaked whale (p. 82). When they can be examined at close range,
however, northern bottlenosed whales should be distinguishable on the
basis of the distinctly bulbous forehead.

Distribution

In the western North Atlantic, northern bottlenosed whales are restricted to
Arctic and north temperate waters, where they most commonly occur in
offshore areas. They have been reported from Davis Straits and the entrance
to Hudson Strait, the Gully southeast of Sable Island, and as far south as
Narragansett Bay, R.I.
In the spring and summer they concentrate near the northern limits of their
range, occasionally visiting deep channels of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and
eastern Newfoundland in summer. During these seasons they may extend to
the edge of the pack ice.
In the fall and winter the bulk of the population migrates southward. Many
probably winter in the Labrador Sea while others move farther southward
and farther offshore.

Stranded Specimens

Like the beaked whales discussed on p. 70 through 83, the northern
bottlenosed whales have no notch in the tail flukes, have two throat grooves
forming a V-shape on the chin, and have only two teeth in the lower jaw,
with those teeth emerged from the gums only in adult males. These teeth
may have sometimes fallen out of older males, but the tooth sockets should
still be visible in the gums.
NOTE: Some specimens—both male and female—will be found to have a
series of vestigial teeth the size of toothpicks in the upper and/or lower
jaws. Similar vestigial teeth, 5-40 in number, sometimes occur in
goosebeaked whales (p. 70). Further when they are prepared for museum
collections, the lower jaws of adult northern bottlenosed whales may be
found to contain a second pair of teeth just behind the first.
Northern bottlenosed whales may be distinguished from the remainder of
the beaked whale family, however, by the extremely robust body, by the
bulbous forehead, which is more extensively developed in larger animals,
particularly males, and by the pronounced dolphinlike beak.

Figure 67.—Northern bottlenosed whales at
sea off Nova Scotia. Note the prominent dorsal
fin and the blotches of grayish-white

coloration on the body. Northern bottlenosed
whales reach 32 feet (9.8 m) in overall length.
(Photo by H. E. Winn.)

Figure 68.—Views of the heads of male
northern bottlenosed whales off Nova Scotia.
Note the distinctive beak (right) and the
bulbous forehead, features which develop with
age and are most pronounced in adult males.
In the animal on the left, note also the low
bushy blow emanating from the indented area
on the top of the head. (Photos by H. E. Winn.)

Figure 69.—Northern bottlenosed whales
occasionally raise their tail flukes when
beginning a dive. At close range, these flukes
can often be seen to lack a distinctive notch on
the rear margin. (Photo from off Nova Scotia
by J. Hain.)

Figure 70.—A stranded northern bottlenosed
whale from Holland. Note the bulbous
forehead, the long dolphinlike beak and the
frequent absences of a notch in the rear
margin of the tail flukes. (Photo by J. P.
Strijbos, courtesy of Rijksmuseum van
Natuurlijke Historie te Leiden.)

GOOSEBEAKED WHALE (T)
Ziphius cavirostris G. Cuvier 1823

Other Common Names

Ziphius, Cuvier's beaked whale, grampus (St. Vincent) (see also p. 96).

Description

Goosebeaked whales reach a length of 23 feet (7 m). Females are slightly
larger than males of the same age. Calves are probably less than about 6
feet (1.8 m) at birth. The head is small relative to the body length and, when
viewed laterally, is slightly concaved or scooped on the upper margin. The
cleft of the mouth is small, smaller than in any other species of beaked
whales. The beak is indistinct in larger individuals. There is a distinct
indentation on the back behind the head. Two teeth are found at the tip of
the lower jaw of adult males only.
The dorsal fin is relatively tall and distinct, to at least 15 inches (38.1 cm),
smoothly falcate, and located well behind the midpoint of the back. The
blowhole is located far forward on the top of the head. The blow, which
may project slightly forward and slightly off to the left, is usually low and
inconspicuous. Though the first blow after a long dive may be more
distinct, even it is rarely visible even under good wind conditions for more
than a few hundred yards.
Descriptions of the color pattern vary. Individuals may be dark rust brown,
slate gray, or fawn colored on the back and generally lighter on the belly.
Some appear dark in both regions, still others—particularly youngsters—
appear lighter gray or tan on the belly. The body is frequently covered with
white or cream-colored blotches (particularly on the belly). The tail flukes
are dark on the bottom. The head is frequently paler in color. Old males
have a distinct white head and are frequently extensively scarred.

Natural History Notes

Goosebeaked whales frequently occur in groups of from 10 to as many as
25 individuals. They have been reported to jump clear of the water. They
are presumably deep divers and are known to stay down for more than 30
min. When they begin a deep dive, they often raise their tail flukes above
the surface and dive nearly vertically. Goosebeaked whales feed primarily
on squid.

May Be Confused With

So little is known of the external appearance and behavior of the living
beaked whales at sea that all the species may easily be confused.
Goosebeaked whales are larger than all other beaked whale species with the
exception of the northern bottlenosed whale. Upon close examination they
may be distinguished from the northern bottlenosed whale by the lighter
coloration of the head, reaching an extreme in the white head of adult
males. (See p. 67 and Fig. 75.)

Distribution

As with other species of beaked whales seldom encountered or at least
seldom positively identified at sea, the distribution of goosebeaked whales
is poorly known and must be constructed from records of stranded
specimens. Such records, often involving sick individuals that may have
washed ashore from considerable distances, may give an inaccurate picture
of normal ranges.
In general, stranding reports suggest that goosebeaked whales are sparsely
but widely distributed in nonpolar latitudes. They appear to be primarily
tropical in distribution, though they venture into temperate areas in summer.
They have been reported from Massachusetts and Rhode Island south to
Florida and thence to the islands of the West Indies. They are frequently
stranded along the Florida coast and are not an uncommon species in the
extant whale fishery of the Antillean Islands. The fact that goosebeaked
whales strand more frequently than other beaked whales may reflect either a
greater abundance or a greater tendency to approach close to shore.
They are probably primarily an offshore species.

Stranded Specimens

To be positively identified, stranded goosebeaked whales in an advanced
state of decomposition may require museum preparation and examination of
the skull and teeth. Fresh specimens may be tentatively identified by the
characters illustrated in the figures.

Figure 71.—Goosebeaked whales have been
rarely seen at sea. In these photos from the
eastern tropical Pacific, note the white head of
the animal on the left. Goosebeaked whales are
wary of boats and may dive for 30 min or
more. When they surface, their blow, usually
very indistinct, may project forward and
slightly to the left. (Photos by K. D. Sexton,
courtesy of National Marine Fisheries Service.)

Figure 72.—A beaked whale, probably a
goosebeaked whale, jumps beside a research
ship off northwestern Baja California. Note
the position and shape of the dorsal fin and the
depression just behind the head. (Photo by S.
Leatherwood.)

Figure 73.—A goosebeaked whale stranded in
Delaware. Goosebeaked whales are primarily
tropical in distribution, though they
apparently venture into temperate areas in
summer. Note the prominent dorsal fin, the
lighter coloration of the head, and the
depression just behind the head. (Photo from
U.S. National Museum, courtesy of J. G. Mead.)

Figure 74.—A closeup of the dorsal surface of
the flukes of a juvenile goosebeaked whale
stranded in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.
Like other members of the beaked whale
family, goosebeaked whales lack a distinctive
notch in the rear margin of the flukes. (Photo
courtesy of Florida's Gulfarium.)

Figure 75.—Stranded goosebeaked whales, an
adult male from northern California (top) and
an immature female from the northeastern
Gulf of Mexico (bottom). Note the brownish
color of the back, marked in the adult animal
by blotches of lighter gray and numerous
scratch marks, presumably tooth rakes. Note
also the mouth cleft, shorter in this species
than in any other beaked whale species, and
the slightly concave appearance to the upper
margin of the head. The beak is usually less
developed in large animals. The inset photo
shows a ventral view of the tip of the lower jaw

of an adult male from the east coast of Florida.
The two teeth of the species are emerged above
the gum only in adult males. (Photos by W. J.
Houck [top], Florida's Gulfarium [middle], and
W. A. Huck, courtesy of Marineland of Florida
[inset].)

OTHER BEAKED WHALES (T)
Mesoplodon spp.

Other Common Names

Grampus (St. Vincent) (see also p. 96).

Description

In addition to the northern bottlenosed whale (p. 67) and the goosebeaked
whale (p. 70), four other species of beaked whales have been reported from
the western North Atlantic. All four species are known primarily from
stranded specimens and have been rarely encountered at sea. Therefore
statements of range are usually limited to inferences from locations of
strandings, and information on appearance and habits of the species in the
wild is almost totally lacking.
The infrequent encounters with beaked whales at sea may result from such
factors as 1) a low inconspicuous blow, 2) avoidance of ships, and/or 3)
distribution in small groups in offshore areas well outside the normal
boating lanes.
The following descriptions will aid primarily in identifying stranded
specimens. Though subtle differences in ranges, color patterns, and dorsal
fin shapes and positions may be helpful in narrowing the choices of living
animals, the species will continue to be extremely difficult to distinguish
from one another in the brief encounters typical at sea until additional data
are collected.

The beaked whales have the following characteristics in common: 1) two
small creases forming a V-shape on the throat, 2) the absence of a
conspicuous notch on the rear margin of the tail flukes (some specimens
have a slight indentation), and 3) the absence of functional teeth in all
except adult males. Adult males have a single pair of teeth in the lower jaw,
the position and description of which help to identify the species. The teeth
of females are not functional and only rarely emerge from the gums.
Therefore, if a stranded animal is an adult male, its species can be
determined by the position and description of the teeth. For example, in
Mesoplodon mirus, the teeth are located near the tip of the lower jaw; in M.
europaeus, they are located about a third of the way from the tip of the
snout to the corner of the mouth; in M. bidens, they are nearly half way
from the tip of the snout to corner of the mouth; and in M. densirostris, they
are located in large prominences near the back of the mouth.
If the animal is a female or an immature male, however, museum
preparation and examination might be required before the species can be
positively determined. The following four sections summarize characters of
western North Atlantic beaked whales.

Figure 76.—An unidentified beaked whale
from the mid-Pacific. Note the marks along
the back, presumably tooth rakes, consisting

of scratches that are paired and close together.
A beaked whale in the western North Atlantic
marked in this manner would be a northern
bottlenosed whale (p. 67), a goosebeaked
whale (p. 70), or a True's beaked whale (p. 77).
These are the only three species in which the
teeth are located close together near the tip of
the lower jaw. (Photo by K. C. Balcomb.)

Figure 77.—Various views of a herd of five or
six unidentified beaked whales, possibly dense-
beaked whales, 12 miles off Pokai Bay, Oahu,
Hawaii. The animals were very shy and had
low indistinct blows, making them difficult to
spot and track. As they surfaced, individuals
frequently bucked their heads and slapped the
chin against the surface, rather than rolling.
They did not raise their tail flukes when
beginning their long dives. (Photos by E.
Shallenberger, Sea Life Park, Hawaii.)
(Because so little is known of beaked whales

every encounter should be recorded in as
much detail as possible.)

Figure 78.—Adult male beaked whales, showing
the body profile and the relative positions of the

teeth. Remember that the teeth of females and
immature males are concealed beneath the gums.
(Drawing by L. Winn.)

TRUE'S BEAKED WHALE (T)
Mesoplodon minis True 1913

Other Common Names

None known.

Description

True's beaked whales reach a length of at least 16 feet (4.9 m) long. They
are chunky in midbody and narrow rapidly towards the tail, closely
resembling goosebeaked whales (p. 70). In overall body shape, the head is
small with a slight indentation in the area of the blowhole, a slight bulge to
the forehead, and a pronounced beak. The flippers are small (from one-
fourteenth to one-tenth the body length). The dorsal fin is small, slightly
falcate, located in the latter third of the back, and followed by a pronounced
ridge on the tail stock. The flukes, which sometimes contain a very slight
notch, are broad (to almost one-fifth the body length).
True's beaked whales are dull black to dark gray on the back, lighter slate
gray on the sides, and white on the belly. The body is frequently covered
with light colored spots or splotches and bears numerous pairs of scratch
marks, presumably tooth rakes (Fig. 76).
The flippers are all black and are attached in the dark coloration of the
animal's side. The flukes are dark above and below.

May Be Confused With

True's beaked whales are most likely to be confused with goosebeaked
whales (p. 70) but may also be confused with any of the other beaked

whales species (p. 74 and Fig. 78).

Distribution

True's beaked whales appear to be primarily temperate in distribution. They
have been reported from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia south as far as
Flagler Beach in Florida. Northernmost records are for summer months.
The range of True's beaked whales overlaps with that of the Antillean
beaked whale but is more northerly.

Stranded Specimens

The teeth of adult male True's beaked whales may be visible near the tip of
the lower jaw, a characteristic shared with the goosebeaked whale (p. 70)
and the northern bottlenosed whale (p. 67). Both these other species reach
substantially greater maximum lengths than True's beaked whales, however,
and should be readily distinguishable by this and the number of other highly
distinctive characteristics of each species.
Females and subadult males may be confused with any of the beaked
whales species (p. 74 and Fig. 78).

Figure 79.—Two views of the body of a
stranded True's beaked whale from

northeastern Florida. This species reaches at
least 16 feet (4.9 m) and closely resembles the
goosebeaked whale in general body shape. It is
distributed in temperate waters from Nova
Scotia to Florida. (Photos courtesy of
Marineland of Florida.)

Figure 80.—The head of a True's beaked
whale stranded in North Carolina. Note the
small head, the pronounced beak, and the
position of the blowhole in the indentation
behind the forehead. The teeth, visible above
the gums only in adult males, are in the
position indicated by the arrow. The photo on
the right shows the two V-shaped throat
grooves characteristic of beaked whales.
(Photos from U.S. National Museum, courtesy
of J. G. Mead.)

ANTILLEAN BEAKED WHALE (T)
Mesoplodon europaeus (Gervais 1855)

(equals M. gervaisi [Deslongchamps])

Other Common Names

Gulfstream beaked whale, Gervais' beaked whale.

Description

Antillean beaked whales reach a length of at least 22 feet (6.7 m). They are
slender in form and appear somewhat laterally compressed (i.e., taller than
they are wide). The head is extremely small and tapers rapidly to a narrow
beak. The flippers are small (to about one-twelfth the body length) with
their origin well down on the sides of the body. The dorsal fin is small,
located behind the midpoint of the back, and variable in shape from falcate
to triangular. The flukes are less than one-fifth the body length and are not
notched.
Antillean beaked whales are dark grayish black on the back and sides,
slightly lighter on the abdomen. The flukes are dark gray above and below.

Natural History Notes

Antillean beaked whales are probably primarily oceanic in distribution and
are known to feed on squid.

May Be Confused With

Antillean beaked whales may be confused with any of the other beaked
whales though they are larger than all except the northern bottlenosed whale
(p. 67) and the goosebeaked whale (p. 70).

Distribution

Antillean beaked whales have been reported stranded from the latitude of
Long Island, N.Y. south to Florida, thence into the Caribbean and the Gulf
of Mexico.

Stranded Specimens

The teeth of Antillean beaked whales are located at the suture of the
mandible, about one-third of the way from the tip of the snout to the corner
of the mouth (Fig. 78).

Figure 81.—Two views of an Antillean beaked
whale stranded in New Jersey in 1899. Note
the very small head, the prominent back-
curved dorsal fin, and the slightly concave
rear margin of the tail flukes, which lack a
distinct notch. (Photos by F. W. True, courtesy
of U.S. National Museum.)

Figure 82.—Two views of an Antillean beaked
whale stranded in Jamaica. This species
reached at least 22 feet (6.7 m) in length.
Compared to the smaller True's beaked whale,
Antillean beaked whales have a smaller head,
a narrower beak, and a taller, narrower body.
Furthermore, the teeth of this species are
located about one-third of the way back from
the tip of the snout to the corner of the mouth.
(Photos by J. J. Rankin.)

DENSE-BEAKED WHALE (T)
Mesoplodon densirostris (Blainville in Desmarest 1817)

Other Common Names

None known.

Description

Dense-beaked whales reach a length of at least 17 feet (5.2 m). The body is
distinctly spindle-shaped. The head, the contour of which is the most
distinctive characteristic of this species, is marked by a prominent rise,
located near the angle of the gape on each side. This rise, which bears the
teeth, gives a peculiar high, arching contour to the mouth (Fig. 84),
particularly in adult males.
The flippers are small (one-eleventh to one-tenth the body length) and have
their origin in the lighter color of the lower sides. The dorsal fin varies from
small and triangular to nearly falcate and pointed on the tip. It is located
behind the midpoint of the back. The flukes are from one-sixth to one-fifth
the body length, are seldom notched, and occasionally even bulge slightly
backwards near the center of the rear margin.
Dense-beaked whales are black or charcoal gray on the back, slightly
lighter on the abdomen. They are somewhat blotched with grayish white
and are often extensively scratched or scarred. The flippers are lighter than
the back. The flukes are dark above, light below.

Natural History Notes

From stomach contents of stranded animals dense-beaked whales are
known to feed on squid.

May Be Confused With

Adult male dense-beaked whales can be separated from the other beaked
whales by the high, arching contour to the corners of the mouth. If there is
no adult male in the group, however, dense-beaked whales may be confused
with any of the other beaked whales species.

Distribution

Dense-beaked whales have been reported from Peggys Cove, Nova Scotia
south to Florida. From all accounts, this species appears widely but sparsely
distributed in warm temperate seas.

Stranded Specimens

Adults of this species should be distinguishable by the highly distinctive
contour of the mouth. The teeth, located in the high rise of the mouth, are
oriented slightly backwards.

Figure 83.—A dense-beaked whale in the tank
at New York Aquarium. Note the position of
the prominent dorsal fin, just breaking the
surface. The blow of beaked whales is usually
small and inconspicuous and reportedly
projects markedly forward from the head.
(Photo by J. G. Mead.)

Figure 84.—Views of the heads of
dense-beaked whales. Females
(bottom) and immature males have
a slight curvature to the rear of the
mouth. As they mature, males
(middle and top) begin to display
the two arching prominences near
the corners of the mouth which give
the characteristic contour to the
mouth. The teeth are located in
these prominences and are oriented
slightly backwards. (Photos from
northeastern Florida by W. A. Huck,
courtesy of Marineland of Florida
[top and middle] and by J. G. Mead
[bottom].)

Figure 85.—A dense-beaked whale stranded in
northeastern Florida. This species reaches
about 17 feet (5.2 m) and is black or charcoal
gray on the back, lighter gray on the sides, and
frequently marked with grayish-white blotches
and often extensively scarred. (Photo by W. A.
Huck, courtesy of Marineland of Florida.)

NORTH SEA BEAKED WHALE (T)
Mesoplodon bidens (Sowerby 1804)

Other Common Names

Sowerby's beaked whale.

Description

North Sea beaked whales reach a length of at least 16.5 feet (5 m). The
body is distinctly spindle-shaped, but apparently more robust near midbody
than that of the dense-beaked whale. The head is characterized by a
pronounced bulge in front of the blowhole, a slightly concave forehead, and
a moderate to long beak. The flippers are relatively long (one-eighth to one-
ninth the body length). The dorsal fin is reportedly tall and variable in shape
from triangular to slightly falcate and is located just behind the midpoint of
the back. The flukes are not notched but are sometimes quite concave on the
rear margin.

Adult North Sea beaked whales are dark charcoal gray on the back with
white spots overall. Young animals are also dark charcoal gray on the back
but are lighter on the belly and are unspotted. The flukes of adults are dark
above and below. Those of young are dark above, lighter below.

Natural History Notes

North Sea beaked whales are known to feed on squid.

May Be Confused With

North Sea beaked whales are the most northerly species of beaked whales.
No other species is very likely to be encountered in the same area.

Distribution

North Sea beaked whales have been reported in the offshore waters from
the latitude of New England north perhaps to the pack ice. Individuals are
occasionally drawn to the coasts of Newfoundland in summer, presumably
by concentrations of squid, a known food item.

Stranded Specimens

The teeth of North Sea beaked whales are located about midway between
the tip of the snout and the corner of the mouth. Except for this
characteristic and their northerly distribution, however, this species might
easily be confused with any other of the beaked whales species.

Figure 86.—North Sea beaked whales are the
most northerly of the beaked whale species,
extending north as far as the pack ice. They
reach at least 16.5 feet (5.0 m) and can be
identified on the beach by the position of the
teeth near the middle of the lower jaw. Little is
known of the species at sea. (Drawing by L.
Winn.)

Figure 87.—A female North Sea beaked whale
(16.5 feet [5.0 m]) stranded in Hjertuika in
1957. (Photo courtesy of A. Jonsgard.)

KILLER WHALE (T)
Orcinus orca (Linnaeus 1758)

Other Common Names

Blackfish (see also pilot whales, p. 91 and 94), sword fish (Canada),
grampus (see p. 96), whitefish (St. Vincent), Espladon (Quebec).

Description

Killer whales are the largest member of the dolphin family. Adult males
reach a length of at least 30 feet (9.1 m) and are robust in form. One
specimen of 31 feet (9.5 m) was recorded for the western North Pacific.
Females are considerably smaller and less stocky. Newborn are
approximately 7-8 feet (2.1-2.4 m) long. Killer whales have large paddle-
shaped flippers.
The most distinctive field character of the species is the dorsal fin. In adult
males it is extremely erect and may be as much as 6 feet (1.8 m) tall.
Though the fin of females and immature males is less than 3 feet (0.9 m)
tall, it is nonetheless taller even in these animals than in any other cetacean
species and is distinctly falcate and pointed on the tip.
Killer whales are basically black with an extensive region of white on the
undersides extending from the lower jaw to the anal region with a branch
extending onto the flanks behind the dorsal fin. There is an oval white patch
on the side of the head just above and behind the eye. In newborn and very
young calves, these regions may be tan to lemon yellow in color. Most
animals have a light-gray saddle marking just behind the dorsal fin. The
undersides of the flukes are usually white. Both all-black and all-white
animals have been reported.

Natural History Notes

Killer whales travel in groups of from a few to 25 or 30 individuals, though
herds of 150 have been reported. Males appear polygamous, and females
and young may form groups separate from young bachelors and bulls.
Killer whales are extremely fast swimmers, capable of reaching top speeds
of 25 knots or more, and have been reported "porpoising" and breaching.
Individuals and entire groups have also been reported "spy-hopping," or
"pitchpoling," behaviors which consist of hanging vertically in the water
with the head and much of the body (to just behind the flippers) exposed
above the surface.
Killer whales feed on squid, fishes, sea turtles, seabirds, and marine
mammals.

Controversy still continues over whether or not killer whales pose a threat
to man. Documented attacks of killer whales on boats are rare and have
usually been provoked (i.e., harpooning or attempts to capture). Only two
uncertain instances of attacks in the wild have been reported, but all divers
and mariners should be cautioned that this powerful animal is perfectly
capable of doing tremendous damage and should not be provoked.

May Be Confused With

Because of its very distinctive dorsal fin, body shape, and coloration, the
killer whale is not likely to be confused with any other whale when it can be
examined at close range or when an adult male is present in the group. Pods
of females and immature animals, however, may be confused with false
killer whales or with grampus. The killer whales may be distinguished from
false killers by the following differences:

Killer Whale False Killer Whale
BODY SHAPE
Chunky. Slender.
BODY COLOR
Black with white on All black with some
belly, flank, and head. gray on belly.
DORSAL FIN
Very tall and erect in Shorter, slender, strongly
adult males; tall and falcate.
slightly back curved in
female.
HEAD SHAPE
Broad, rounded. Tapered, slender.
FLIPPER SHAPE
Paddle-shaped. Moderately long with
characteristic hump near

middle on forward
margin.
LENGTH
To at least 30 feet (9.1 To at least 18 feet (5.5
m). m).

Furthermore, false killer whales are the only "blackfish" which are known
to ride the bow wave of a ship.
Grampus have a tall dorsal fin (15 inches [38.1 cm]) which is very similar
in appearance to that of adult female and juvenile killer whales. But
grampus have much lighter coloration, from slate gray to nearly all white,
and larger animals are covered with numerous scratches. Upon closer
examination they can be further distinguished from killer whales by a
crease in the front of the head dividing the melon into two distinct sections.
Grampus are considerably smaller, to about 13 feet (4 m) maximum length.

Distribution

In the western North Atlantic killer whales have been reported from the
polar pack ice south to Florida and St. Vincent, Lesser Antilles, and into the
Gulf of Mexico at least as far as Texas, though they are far more common in
the cooler waters from about New Jersey north. Throughout their range,
killer whales seem to prefer coastal areas and often enter shallow bays,
estuaries, and river mouths in search of food.
Migrations of the species are probably closely tied to movements of their
food supply. They annually arrive on the coast of New England with the
tuna. Along the Canadian coasts, where distribution and migrations have
been described in some detail, killer whales appear to move inshore in
spring and summer. Many arrive off the east coast of Newfoundland in
June, the Strait of Belle Isle in June and July, and slightly later along the
Labrador coast and Arctic waters. They are found around the loose ice in
April, presumably feeding on harp seals, Pagophilus groenlandicus, and
hooded seals, Cystophora cristata, and are frequent in the St. Lawrence
estuary in spring and autumn following the movements of the white whales.
The northward movements in spring also coincide with migrations of

balaenopterine whales, which have also been reported among the food
items. Killer whales may remain in arctic or subarctic waters until driven
out by new forming ice in October and November. Though the migration
has not been as thoroughly described, killer whales apparently begin
shifting southwards in autumn.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded killer whales should be readily identifiable by the robust body, the
distinctive body markings, and in larger animals the tall dorsal fin. Killer
whales have from 10 to 12 large, prominent teeth on each side of the upper
and lower jaws.

Figure 88.—A small herd of killer whales off
southern California (top) and details of an
adult male from that herd (middle) and of
females or immature males off Islas San
Benito, Baja California (bottom). Adult males
have a tall erect dorsal fin, which may be more
than 6 feet (1.8 m) tall, while the fins of
females and immature males are less than 3
feet (0.9 m) tall, distinctly falcate, and pointed
on the tip. Both sexes frequently have a
grayish-white region, called a "saddle,"
behind the dorsal fin. (Photos by T. Dohl [top
and middle] and S. Leatherwood [bottom].)

Figure 89.—Killer whales are often distributed
very close to shore. In these photos from Baja
California, they are shown in two
characteristic behaviors—breaching (top) and

"spy-hopping" or "pitchpoling" (bottom).
(Photos by S. Leatherwood.)

Figure 90.—A leaping
killer whale in
California aquarium.
Note the distinctive
coloration of the
species, white on the
lower jaw, the belly and
the anus, and on both
sides above the anus.
Note also the distinctive
white eye patch often
visible on animals at
sea. (Photo by D. K.
Caldwell.)

Figure 91.—Killer
whales have from 10 to
12 large prominent
teeth, curved slightly
backwards and
inwards on each side of
each jaw. (Photos from
Point Mugu, Calif. by S.
Leatherwood.)

FALSE KILLER WHALE (T)
Pseudorca crassidens (Owen 1846)

Other Common Names

Mongoose (St. Vincent).

Description

False killer whales in the western North Atlantic reach a length of at least
18 feet (5.5 m). Males are slightly larger than females. Calves from 5 to 7
feet (1.5 to 2.1 m) may be seen at any time throughout the year.
The dorsal fin, located just behind the midpoint of the back, is from 7 to 16
inches (17.8 to 40.6 cm) tall, falcate, and variable to sharply pointed on the
tip. The flippers are characterized by a broad hump on the front margin near
the middle, a characteristic which is diagnostic for the species.
The body of the species is all black except for a blaze of gray on the belly
between the flippers. This blaze varies from barely visible to light grayish
white similar to but generally fainter than that of pilot whales. The body is
long and slender, and the head is narrow and gently tapered from the area of
the blowhole forward.

Natural History Notes

False killer whales are a social form and may occur in herds of up to at least
100 individuals. They often jump clear of the water and frequently ride the
bow waves of vessels. They are the only "blackfish" which are known to do
so. False killer whales feed primarily on squid and large fishes and are
notorious for their habit of stealing fish from the lines of fishermen. The
large prominent teeth may be visible on a swimming animal.

May Be Confused With

False killer whales may be confused with killer whales, pilot whales, or the
smaller, poorly known pygmy killer whale (p. 138) and many-toothed
blackfish (p. 142).
The characteristics distinguishing the species from the killer whale are
tabularized on p. 84; its differences from the pilot whales are summarized
on p. 92.

At sea, false killer whales are distinguishable from the other two species
primarily by their larger size and differences in coloration. False killer
whales are up to 18 feet (5.5 m) in length. Pygmy killer whales and many-
toothed blackfish reach only 8-9 feet (2.4-2.7 m) in length. Pygmy killer
whales have an extensive region of white on the belly which may extend
onto the sides and both pygmy killer whales and many-toothed blackfish
have a distinctive white region on the lips, usually lacking or indistinct on
false killer whales.
Neither of the smaller species of blackfish has been reported to ride bow
waves.

Distribution

False killer whales are widely distributed in the pelagic tropical,
subtropical, and warm temperate waters of the western North Atlantic. They
have been reported from off Maryland south along the mainland coasts of
North America, in the Gulf of Mexico from Cuba and the Lesser Antilles,
and from the southeast Caribbean Sea. The species has been reported from
Venezuela.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded false killer whales can be positively identified by: 1) the large size
(to 18 feet [5.5 m]); 2) the slender body tapering rapidly to a long slender
head; 3) the markedly long mouth, with from 8 to 11 large, conspicuous
teeth in each side of each jaw recalling those of the killer whale, but circular
and not, as in killer whales, elliptical; 4) the unusually shaped flipper
bulging conspicuously on the forward margin.
For comparison with "blackfish" of similar size (the pilot whales) see p. 92
and 94.
False killer whales do not appear to occur frequently in coastal waters,
sandy bays, or estuaries, though entire herds have stranded in such areas.
Records from throughout the range suggest that the species has an oceanic
distribution.

Figure 92.—False killer whales at sea 600
miles (968.0 km) off northeastern Florida.
Note the smoothly falcate dorsal fin, pointed
on the tip, and located near the midpoint of
the back. Dorsal fins of this species may also
be rounded on the tip but all are sharply
concaved on the rear margin. (Photo by H. E.
Winn.)

Figure 93.—False killer whales are the only
"blackfish" that routinely ride the bow waves
of vessels. On this animal riding on the bow
wave of a research ship, note the all-black
coloration of the back, head, and sides and the

broad "hump" near the middle of the flippers
on the leading edge. (Photo 600 miles [968 km]
off northeastern Florida by H. E. Winn.)

Figure 94.—A false killer
whale stranded in
northeastern Florida. Note
the narrow tapering head,
overhanging the lower jaw
by several inches, the
position and shape of the
dorsal fin and the
distinctive "hump" on the
leading margin of the
flippers. (Photo by W. A.
Huck, courtesy of
Marineland of Florida.)

Figure 95.—Entire herds of false killer whales
sometimes strand themselves. In this dorsal
view of an animal stranded in southeastern
Florida, note the extremely distinctive
"hump" on the forward margin of the flippers
and the narrow head, tapering towards the tip
of the snout. (Photo by J. Krol.)

Figure 96.—False killer whales have from 8 to
11 large, conspicuous teeth in each side of each
jaw. These teeth are often visible in swimming
animals, particularly when they are engaged
in their obnoxious habit of stealing fish from
the lines of fishermen. The teeth are so
distinctive that they can also be used to
identify even a badly decomposed stranded
specimen. (Photo, courtesy of Sea Life Park,
Hawaii.)

ATLANTIC PILOT WHALE (T)
Globicephala melaena (Traill 1809)

Other Common Names

Northern pilot whale, long-finned pilot whale, pothead, blackfish, calling
whale, caa'ing whale.

Description

Male Atlantic pilot whales reach an average length of at least 20 feet (6.2
m). Females are slightly smaller, probably not exceeding 18 feet (5.5 m).
Young are 5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 m) at birth.
The head is thick and bulbous, a characteristic which reaches an extreme in
the development of the head of adult males (prompting the common name
"pothead"). The flippers are long (to one-fifth of the body length, or more)
and sickle-shaped. The tail is dorsally thickened just in front of the flukes.
The dorsal fin of this species is one of its most distinctive characteristics. It
is low in profile, has a long base, is set far forward on the animal's back,
and is falcate to "flaglike" in appearance. The dorsal fin of adult males
reportedly has a thicker leading edge and a rounder form than that of the
female.

Atlantic pilot whales are black on the back and sides (prompting the
common name "blackfish") but have an anchor-shaped patch of grayish
white on the chin and a gray area on the belly, both of which are variable in
extent and intensity. Some larger animals have a gray saddle behind the
dorsal fin, though this zone of color is found more frequently in short-
finned pilot whales. Young animals are often a lighter medium gray.

Natural History Notes

Atlantic pilot whales may occur in herds of 200 animals or more, though
herds of 50 or fewer (4-6) are more common. They are sometimes found in
association with Atlantic white-sided dolphins.
Pilot whales are sometimes found hanging vertically in the water with the
head and part of the back out of the water in what has been called "spy-
hopping" or "pitchpoling." Individuals frequently lobtail. Pilot whales
infrequently breach, a behavior which is usually confined to younger
animals. They do not ride bow waves.
Atlantic pilot whales feed primarily on squid but also take cod and other
fishes. A Pacific pilot whale, a closely related species, was found by radio
telemetric studies to be capable of diving to 2,000 feet (609.6 m).
Atlantic pilot whales were formerly the object of an active shore fishery off
Newfoundland (1950-1971). In addition, entire herds and, less frequently,
individuals are sometimes stranded.

May Be Confused With

Atlantic pilot whales are most likely to be confused with false killer whales,
with which they share the waters from off Virginia to those off Maryland.
The two species may be distinguished by the following characteristics:

Atlantic Pilot Whale False Killer Whale
SHAPE OF HEAD
Thick and often squarish Slender, gently tapering
in larger animals. mouth long.

SHAPE OF BODY
Robust. Long and slender.
DORSAL FIN
Broad-based and falcate. Slender, tall, falcate, and
pointed on tip.
COLORATION
Black with gray saddle Mostly black with gray
sometimes evident blaze of variable extent
behind dorsal fin and and intensity on belly
gray region on chin and between flippers.
belly.
BEHAVIOR
Will not ride bow May ride bow waves,
waves; seldom breaches. often "porpoises" and
breaches.
RANGE
Temperate waters from Temperate seas from at
at least North Carolina least Maryland south.
north.

In the extreme southern portion of their range, Atlantic pilot whales may be
confused with short-finned pilot whales with which they have only a limited
seasonal common range. Characters distinguishing these species are subtle
and may not be adequate to permit them to be distinguished at sea. For
purposes of this guide it is generally that pilot whales living north of lat.
38°N (Virginia coast) are Atlantic pilot whales and those living south of lat.
38°N are short-finned pilot whales.

Distribution

Atlantic pilot whales, the northernmost of the two pilot whales species, are
found in winter from the Grand Banks south as far as North Carolina and in

summer from Iceland and Greenland south to the New Jersey coast. Winter
concentrations of pilot whales may be found off the Newfoundland coast
and near Cape Cod, Mass. Atlantic pilot whales are distributed both in
coastal waters and in deep waters off the continental shelf.

Stranded Specimens

As discussed above, individuals and groups of pilot whales frequently
strand themselves for still incompletely understood reasons. They may be
identified as pilot whales primarily by: 1) the robust body and bulbous
head, which is often squarish in adult animals, and 2) the broad-based,
falcate dorsal fin located far forward on the back. Accurate determination of
the pilot whale species involved in the stranding may require museum
preparation of the skull and detailed examination of its characteristics.
Preliminary identification may be made, however, based on the following:

Atlantic Pilot Whale Short-Finned Pilot Whale
FLIPPER LENGTH
To one-fifth body length, To one-sixth body
or more. length, or less.
NORMAL RANGE
From North Carolina From North Carolina
north. south.
TEETH
8-11 per row. 7-9 per row.

Figure 97.—A herd of Atlantic pilot whales off
Massachusetts. The most distinguishing field
characteristic of this species, and of their
southern cousins, the short-finned pilot
whales, is the highly distinctive dorsal fin,
extremely long based, low in profile, and set
well forward on the animals' backs. (Photo by
W. A. Watkins.)

Figure 98.—Atlantic pilot whales frequently
"lob tail" (raise the tail flukes above the
surface and slap them against the water) (top)
and pitchpole or spy-hop (hang vertically in
the water with the head up and the tail down)
(bottom). (Photos from the North Atlantic by H.
E. Winn.)

Figure 99.—North Atlantic pilot whales on the
deck of a whaling station in Newfoundland.
The anchor-shaped patch on the chin and the
gray color of the belly are apparently more
vivid and extensive in this species than in the
short-finned pilot whales. Further, the flipper
is longer, measuring one-fifth of the body
length, or more, in adult animals. The flippers
of short-finned pilot whales (see Fig. 102)
measure one-sixth of the body length or less.
(Photo by J. G. Mead.)

SHORT-FINNED PILOT WHALE (T)
Globicephala macrorhynchus Gray 1846

Other Common Names

Blackfish (see also p. 84, 91, and 94).

Description

Male short-finned pilot whales of the western North Atlantic reach lengths
of at least 17.5 feet (5.3 m). Females are reportedly slightly smaller than
males (recorded only to 15.5 feet [4.7 m]).

The head, somewhat like that of the Atlantic pilot whales (p. 91), is thick
and bulbous, a characteristic which reaches its extreme in the development
of a flattened or squarish appearance to the front of the head in mature
males (see Fig. 101). In very old males the melon may overhang the mouth
up to several inches. The flippers are shorter than those of the other pilot
whale species of the western North Atlantic (thus the common name short-
finned pilot whale), reaching only one-sixth of the body length or less. The
tail is dorsoventrally thickened just in front of the flukes.
The dorsal fin, like that of the Atlantic pilot whale, is one of the species'
most distinctive characteristics. It is low in profile, has a long base, and is
set far forward on the animal's back.
Short-finned pilot whales are all black on the back sides and most of the
belly with an anchor-shaped patch of gray on the chin and a gray area of
varying extent and intensity on the belly. These areas are less vivid and
extensive than those on Atlantic pilot whales. Younger animals are lighter,
often medium gray.

Natural History Notes

Short-finned pilot whales are known to occur in groups of 60 animals or
more, though smaller groups are more common. They have been reported
pitchpoling (spy-hopping), lobtailing, and—rarely—breaching.
Short-finned pilot whales feed on squid and fish.

May Be Confused With

In the tropical portion of their range, short-finned pilot whales may be
confused with pygmy killer whales (p. 138) and many-toothed blackfish (p.
142). They may be distinguished from both species primarily by their
distinctive dorsal fin and the bulbous-to-squarish head. Both pygmy killer
whales and many-toothed blackfish have dorsal fins, which are more
falcate, slender, and pointed on the tip, and have longer, slenderer heads.
Throughout their range short-finned pilot whales may be confused with
false killer whales. The two species may be distinguished by the same

differences which distinguish Atlantic pilot whales from false killer whales
(p. 91).
In the extreme northern portion of their range, short-finned pilot whales
may be confused with Atlantic pilot whales. The two species may be
distinguished by differences itemized on p. 93.

Distribution

Though short-finned pilot whales are known from Delaware Bay, their
normal range appears to extend from Bermuda and Cape Hatteras (Virginia
in summer) south to the Venezuelan coast. They have been reported for the
Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the islands of the West Indies.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded short-finned pilot whales may be confused with any of the species
itemized under living animals. They may be identified as pilot whales
primarily by the robust body and bulbous head, often squarish in adult
animals, and the broad-based, falcate dorsal fin located well forward on the
animal's back. Accurate determination of the pilot whale species involved
may require museum preparation of the skull and detailed examination of
its characteristics. Preliminary identification may be made, however, on the
basis of the following:

Atlantic Pilot Whale Short-Finned Pilot Whale
DISTRIBUTION
Primarily North Carolina Primarily North Carolina
north. south.
FLIPPERS
To one-fifth body length, To less than one-sixth
or more. body length.
TEETH
8-11 per row. 7-9 per row.

Figure 100.—Short-finned pilot whales
stranded in northeastern Florida, shown here
swimming in the lagoon at Marineland of
Florida. This species, like their northern
cousins, the Atlantic pilot whales, have a
highly distinctive dorsal fin and a bulbous
head (see Figs. 97, 99). In these photos note the
variation in the shape of the head. Those of
females and immature males are more
rounded. Those of adult males are far more
blunted. (Photo courtesy of Marineland of
Florida.)

Figure 101.—Short-finned pilot whales have
from 7 to 10 teeth in each side of each jaw. The
bulbous forehead of the species is far less
pronounced in females and immature males

(left). The head of mature males is extremely
"squarish" and may overhang the lower jaw
by several inches (right). (Photos from
Aquatarium [left] and southeastern Florida by
D. K. Caldwell [right].)

Figure 102.—The flippers of short-finned pilot
whales reach only about one-sixth of the body
length, while those of the Atlantic pilot whale
may be one-fifth the body length or more. Note
the length of the flippers of the pilot whale in
the background, relative to its overall length.
(Photo from South Carolina by J. G. Mead.)

GRAMPUS (T)
Grampus griseus (G. Cuvier 1812)

Other Common Names

Risso's dolphin, gray grampus, white-headed grampus, mottled grampus,
Risso's porpoise, hard knocks (St. Vincent), white blackfish (Cape Cod).

Description

Grampus reach a maximum length of about 13 feet (4 m). The body is
robust, particularly in front of the dorsal fin, and lacks a distinct beak. The
head is somewhat bulbous and is marked on the front by a V-shaped crease
with the point downwards, which divides the melon into two parts. The
flippers are long and pointed on the tips. The dorsal fin, located at about the
midpoint of the body, is tall, to 15 inches (38.1 cm) or more, and distinctly
falcate. The body narrows rapidly behind the dorsal fin and the tail stock is
quite narrow. The flukes are broad, concaved on the rear margin, and deeply
notched.
The bodies of grampus are a uniform light gray at birth. As the animals age,
their color darkens to almost black with distinctive regions of grayish white
on the belly and chest. The body of older adults is cream white or silver
gray, particularly on the head, with numerous scars, presumably from
encounters with other grampus and perhaps with the squid, which are one of
the species' major food items.
The flippers, dorsal fin, and tail flukes usually remain dark even in adults.

Natural History Notes

Grampus are found in herds of up to several hundred individuals and may
be seen "porpoising" (leaping from the water) as they surface to breathe,
and breaching. They sometimes ride the bow waves of a boat.
Grampus feed on fish and squid.

May Be Confused With

From a distance grampus are most easily confused with Atlantic bottlenosed
dolphins. They may be most readily distinguished by the following
differences:

Atlantic Bottlenosed
Grampus
Dolphin
SIZE
To 13 feet (4 m). Rarely to 12 feet (3.7
m); usually less than 10
feet (3.1 m).
BODY COLOR
Young are uniform light Dark gray on body;
gray; older animals dark lighter gray on sides;
with grayish regions on white or pink on belly;
chest and belly; very old may appear brownish in
animals white and water.
scarred.
DORSAL FIN
To 15 inches (38.1 cm); To 12 inches (30.5 cm)
sharply falcate; pointed less sharply falcate;
on tip pointed on tip.
HEAD COLOR AND SHAPE
Blunted and creased on Uniformly brownish to
front; frequently all gray distinctly
white in larger animals. bottlenosed.
MARKINGS
Very often extensively Less frequently
scarred. scratched and scarred.

Distribution

Grampus are known to be distributed in temperate and tropical seas from at
least eastern Newfoundland, south at least to St. Vincent, Lesser Antilles,
and in the eastern and northern Gulf of Mexico. The species may not be as
rare as the paucity of records suggests. Though they have been seen in

Buzzards Bay on several occasions, grampus generally have an oceanic
range and, along the Atlantic coast of North America, may be distributed
from the Gulf Stream seaward, outside the theater of normal boating traffic.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded grampus are most readily identifiable by 1) the presence of only
seven, or fewer, teeth in each side of the lower jaw (many of those teeth
may have dropped out in older animals and remaining teeth may be
extensively worn) and the absence of teeth in the upper jaw; 2) the presence
of a distinct crease or bifurcation in the melon on the extreme front of the
head; 3) the presence of numerous scratches and scars all over the body;
and 4) the tall, slender, sharply falcate dorsal fin which may be more than
15 inches (38.1 cm) tall.

Figure 103.—Grampus are frequently found
in small tight groups "porpoising." From a
distance they may resemble the Atlantic
bottlenosed dolphins, though grampus have
taller dorsal fins, blunted beakless heads, and
lighter coloration. (Photo off Washington State
by C. Fiscus.)

Figure 104.—Grampus off Fistler, Scotland
(top) and from Baja California in the tank of
Sea World, Inc., San Diego, Calif. (bottom).
Note the tall pointed dorsal fin, which
remains dark even in adult animals, the
blunted head, which lacks a beak, and the
extensive scarring of the body. In the photo on
the right, note also the long pointed flippers
and the white head characteristic of older
animals. (Photos by A. S. Clark [top] and
courtesy of D. K. Caldwell [bottom].)

Figure 105.—Grampus, particularly younger
animals, have two regions of grayish-white on
the ventral surface, one in front of the flippers
and another beginning on the belly narrowing
towards the tail. These markings closely
resemble the ventral marking of pilot whales.
(Photos courtesy of Marineland of Florida.)

Figure 106.—Stranded grampus can be
readily identified. On this captive animal note
the blunted head, the distinct crease on the
front of the head (see also Fig. 107), and the
extensive scarring of the body. (Photo courtesy
of D. K. Caldwell.)

Figure 107.—Grampus have seven or fewer
teeth in each side of the lower jaw. (None in
the upper jaw.) Many of these teeth may have
fallen out of older specimens, and the
remaining teeth may be extensively worn.
(Photo courtesy of Marineland of Florida.)

Medium-sized Whales Without a Dorsal Fin

BELUGA (T)
Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas 1776)

Other Common Names

White porpoise, white whale, belukha, sea canary, marsouin blanc
(Quebec).

Description

Belugas reach a maximum overall length of about 16 feet (4.9 m). Males
are slightly larger than females. In the western North Atlantic they have
been found to grow to greatest lengths in oceanic environments near the
southern extremities of their ranges, though they are found in far greater
abundance in estuarine areas of the Arctic. Belugas have extremely robust
bodies tapering to a distinct "neck" region and a very small head relative to
body size.
They do not have a dorsal fin. Instead, along the back just behind the
midpoint there is a narrow ridge notched laterally to form a series of small
bumps. These ridges may be clearly visible on a swimming animal.
Newborn belugas are brown. As they age, they gradually lighten through
slate gray, and by their sixth or seventh year have assumed the all-white
coloration characteristic of adult animals.

Natural History Notes

Belugas feed on a variety of fishes (including cod and capelin), on squid,
and on a variety of benthic crustaceans.
They are frequently found in shallow bays and river mouths, where the
young are born, and occasionally ascend rivers.

May Be Confused With

Because of their limited distribution, all-white coloration and lack of a
dorsal fin, belugas are unlikely to be confused with any other species of

cetacean.

Distribution

Belugas have been reported from the Arctic Circle south as far as eastern
Connecticut, typically in estuarine habitats, though they do range into
oceanic regions. They are most abundant from the north shore of the Gulf of
St. Lawrence northward. They remain near the Arctic Circle and in Hudson
Bay to northern Greenland during winter, undertaking migrations to the
south in autumn, straggling to the Maritime Provinces and as far as
Connecticut. Belugas are regularly seen in the St. Lawrence and Saguenay
rivers throughout late spring and summer. Return migrations to the north
take place in spring.
A small population in the estuary of St. Lawrence is resident throughout the
year.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded belugas are unlikely to be confused with any other species of
cetaceans. The all-white coloration, the robust body shape with a rather
small head and a distinct neck region, and the presence of 8-11 teeth in each
of the upper jaws and 8-9 in each of the lower jaws permit positive
identification.

Figure 108.—A group of three belugas
surfacing to breathe off northwestern Alaska.
The animal to the right has just begun to
exhale, the middle animal is in the midst of his
inhalation, and the animal on the left has
completed his blow and is preparing to dive.
Note the all-white coloration and, on the
center animal, the small dorsal ridge just
emerging from the water. Details of the dorsal
ridge are clearly visible in the inset
photograph. (Photos by G. C. Ray and K. G.
Hewlett [inset].)

Figure 109.—Note the robust form and the
small head of this swimming beluga off
northwestern Alaska. (Photo by G. C. Ray.)

Figure 110.—Captive belugas at Vancouver
public aquarium. Note the dorsal ridge, the
shape of the head and body, and the unusually
shaped flippers. (Photo by K. C. Balcomb.)

Figure 111.—Ventral view of a beluga
harpooned in the northeastern Canadian
Eskimo Fishery. Note the very narrow tail,
just in front of the flukes, and the robust form
of the species. Belugas have 8-9 teeth in each of
the lower jaws, and 8-11 in each of the upper
jaws. (Photo by P. F. Brodie.)

NARWHAL (T)
Monodon monoceros Linnaeus 1758

Other Common Names

Unicorn whale (historical name not currently in use).

Description

The narwhal, also known as the unicorn whale because of the long tusk
found on adult males, is one of two medium-sized whales found in the
Arctic waters of the northwestern Atlantic. They reach a maximum length
of from 15 to 16 feet (4.6 to 4.9 m) excluding the tusk. Newborn calves are
approximately 5 feet (1.5 m) long. Narwhals have small rounded heads and

a small mouth. Like the other medium-sized whale in the same region, the
beluga or white whale, the narwhal has no dorsal fin. Instead, it has a series
of bumps, approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) high along the midline of the
back in the half nearest the tail. The ridge created by these bumps may be
readily seen on a swimming animal.
The basic coloration of the species changes slightly with age. Young
animals are uniformly dark bluish gray on the back but rapidly begin to
develop the numerous leopardlike spots on the back and sides characteristic
of adults. Those spots rarely extend onto the belly even in old animals.
Narwhals have only two teeth. In the females, these teeth rarely emerge
from the gums. In males, one and sometimes both of those teeth grow out
the front of the snout, spiraling in a left-hand or sinistral direction, and may
reach a length of 9 feet (2.7 m). One or two tusks may also be exposed,
however, in females.

Natural History Notes

The function of the tusk in male narwhals is unknown, but it was this
feature of the animal that earned it the name "unicorn whale" and resulted
in its extensive hunting by whalers. During their annual migrations
narwhals may congregate but are commonly found in groups of 10 or fewer
during the rest of the year.
Narwhals feed on a variety of organisms, including cod, rockfish, flounder,
and crabs, but their diet consists primarily of squid.

Distribution

Narwhals are found in the high arctic seas of the western North Atlantic,
primarily in Lancaster Sound and its fringes. It has been noted that they are
found in isolated pockets within that range and are not, like the beluga,
widely distributed.
Narwhals make annual migrations in response to the movement of the ice.
During the fall as the ice begins to form, the whales migrate to the south,
sometimes reaching the Labrador coast. In the spring they return to the pack
ice.

May Be Confused With

Narwhals are so different in coloration from the only medium-sized
cetacean which shares its range and habitat—the beluga—that the two are
highly unlikely to be confused. Belugas are usually all white or light slate
gray in color, while narwhals are very much darker, ranging from bluish
gray to brownish, and are often covered with light leopardlike spots.
Furthermore, the body of the beluga is more robust.
Further, swimming narwhals frequently buck their heads up to breathe, a
behavior which makes the tusk of adult males visible and permits positive
identification.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded narwhals should be easily identifiable by the distinctive coloration
and the unique characteristics of the teeth. In adults, one or two of the teeth
may develop into the long, left-hand spiraling tusk, shown in Figures 112
and 114. Immature animals have no teeth which are emerged.

Figure 112.—In this photo of narwhals, the
origin of the name "unicorn whale" is
apparent. The animal at the right, an adult

male, exposes his tusk as he surfaces
aggressively to breathe. Even when this
feature is not observed, however, the narwhals'
mottled gray coloration makes them easy to
distinguish from the all-white belugas, with
which they share a common range. Note also
the dorsal ridge on the animal to the left.
(Photo by D. Lusby, courtesy of the Sea
Library.)

Figure 113.—A juvenile narwhal in a tank at
New York Aquarium. Though newborn
animals are dark bluish gray on the back,
fading to white on the belly, note that the
mottled gray coloration characteristic of
adults is well developed even in relatively
young animals. The white region on the head is
lanolin cream, applied to protect the animal's
skin during transport. (Photo by H. E. Winn.)

Figure 114.—A stranded male narwhal. The
long unicorn tusk is the spiral extension of one
of the two teeth, though the other may be
exposed above the gums in males and may
even develop into a second long tusk; both
teeth of females are normally buried in the
gums and rarely emerge. Note the highly
distinctive dorsal ridge, near the midpoint of
the back. (Photos by D. Lusby, courtesy of the
Sea Library.)

Small Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises With a Dorsal Fin

ATLANTIC SPOTTED DOLPHIN (T)
Stenella plagiodon (Cope 1866)

Other Common Names

Spotter, Gulf Stream spotted dolphin, spotted porpoise, long-snouted
dolphin.[11]
[11] See also p. 110. The common name "long-snouted dolphin" was once
widely used for this species. It is now more frequently used for Stenella
longirostris, also known as the spinner dolphin.

Description

Atlantic spotted dolphins reach a maximum adult length of 7.5, perhaps 8
feet (2.3 to 2.4 m). They are generally more robust in body shape than the

other species of Stenella, closely resembling Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins
in that regard, though the Atlantic spotted dolphins tend to be more slender.
The dorsal fin is distinctly back-curved and pointed on the tip, also closely
resembling that of the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin.
As the common name suggests, the Atlantic spotted dolphins are marked
dorsally with numerous grayish-white spots on a darker background and
ventrally with dark spots on a lighter background, though the extent of the
spotting and the additional details of coloration change with age.
Immature animals lack spots completely. They are dark gray or purplish
gray on the back, becoming lighter gray on the sides and white on the belly.
The cape along the back is distinctly separated from the lighter gray
coloration of the sides. The flippers and the trailing edge of the flukes are
darker than the rest of the body.
As they age, the Atlantic spotted dolphins develop grayish-white spots, first
low on the sides, spreading upward. During this stage, the cape becomes
less distinct, and dark spotting begins to develop on the belly, the spots
increasing in number with increasing age. In adult animals, the belly is
often extensively covered with dark blotches but never becomes completely
black. The lips may be white, and the beak is characteristically tipped with
white, a feature which may aid in identification at sea.
The Atlantic spotted dolphins have a spinal blaze and a light line which
extends from the flipper to the eye.

Natural History Notes

Little is known of the natural history of the Atlantic spotted dolphins. The
species occurs in herds of up to several hundred individuals, though groups
of 50 or fewer (6-10) are more common. They are often seen jumping clear
of the water and habitually ride the bow wave of moving vessels. As they
do, the distinct cape or band of purplish gray on the back of younger
animals and the spotting pattern of older animals may be visible.
Atlantic spotted dolphins feed primarily on squid but may also take
carangid fishes, small eels, herring, or anchovies.

May Be confused With

Atlantic spotted dolphins, particularly young animals, may be easily
confused with Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins because of the similarities in
color pattern and general body shape. However, the Atlantic spotted
dolphins have considerable purplish gray in their background colors and the
Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins are more dark gray to brownish gray. This
along with considerable differences in the overall sizes of the two species
should permit positive identification. In general, the key differences
between spotted and bottlenosed dolphins are as follows:

Atlantic Bottlenosed
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
Dolphin
MAXIMUM SIZE
To 7.5-8 feet (2.3-2.4 To 8-10 feet (2.4-3.1 m)
m). inshore, to as much as
12 feet (3.7 m) offshore.
BODY COLOR
Dark purplish gray on Dark gray on back;
back; lighter gray on lighter gray on sides;
sides and belly; body white or pink on belly
becomes increasingly (old animals may have a
spotted with age. few spots on belly, but
most are not spotted).
HEAD AND BEAK
Head more slender; beak Head robust; beak short;
longer; lips and top of beak usually uniformly
snout often white. gray (older animals'
beak may be white at
tip).
NORMAL DISTRIBUTION
Usually found more than Usually more coastal,
5 miles offshore; most often ascending rivers

common inside 100- and entering lagoonal
fathom curve. and estuarine areas.

Young Atlantic spotted dolphins are so similar in appearance to the Atlantic
bottlenosed dolphins that the frequent reports of mixed schools of the two
species are probably occasioned by groups of spotted dolphins which
include some young, still unspotted animals.
Atlantic spotted dolphins might also be confused with bridled dolphins. The
two can be most readily distinguished by the following characteristics:

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin Bridled Dolphin
BODY SHAPE
Usually robust, often More slender, more like
like that of the Atlantic that of the Atlantic
bottlenosed dolphin. striped dolphin.
BODY COLOR
Spotted; purplish gray Spotted; side of head
on back; lighter gray on light gray; body has
sides and belly stripe from flipper to
becoming increasingly corner of mouth, though
spotted with age. As the stripe tends to fade
animals becomes more as spotting increases.
spotted, cape become Cape on top of head
less distinct. Body has more distinct that on
spinal blaze and light Atlantic spotted dolphin.
line from flipper to eye. Body has no spinal
blaze.

At sea the Atlantic spotted dolphins may also be confused with rough-
toothed dolphins (p. 135).

Distribution

Atlantic spotted dolphins are a common species in the continental waters of
the tropical and warm temperate western North Atlantic. Although they are

far more abundant south of Cape Hatteras, they have been reported from the
latitude of Cape May, N.J. (some fishermen claim to have seen them even
further north) south through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean to
Venezuela. Atlantic spotted dolphins may be replaced around the West
Indies by the bridled dolphin.
Within this range, the Atlantic spotted dolphins appear to be generally
restricted to the waters outside the 100-fathom curve, most commonly more
than 5 miles offshore. However, populations in the Gulf of Mexico move
inshore in the late spring, and may approach close to shore during spring
and summer.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded Atlantic spotted dolphins may be difficult to distinguish from
bridled dolphins. If the color pattern is still clearly visible, the differences in
coloration described above, particularly those of the head, and the presence
or absence of a spinal blaze may be used. But since external appearance
other than coloration are often very similar, specimens should be
photographed from as many aspects as possible and the entire specimen or
the roughed-out complete skeleton transported to a museum for preparation
and examination. Tooth counts recorded for the two species to date are also
very similar.

Figure 115.—Atlantic spotted dolphins beside
a research vessel off Beaufort, N.C.,
September 1965. Adults of this species can be
identified by the spotting pattern and the
white coloration of the lips. (See also bridled
dolphin, p. 108.) Young animals which lack
spots may be confused with the Atlantic
bottlenosed dolphins though they are smaller
and are purplish gray on the back. (Photo by
G. T. Green.)

Figure 116.—A side view of two female
Atlantic spotted dolphins from off St.
Augustine, Fla. in the tank at Marineland of
Florida. Note the tall falcate dorsal fin,
pointed on the tip and varying slightly in
shape between the two individuals, and the
spots on the body. (Photo by S. Leatherwood.)

Figure 117.—A series showing the
development of the color pattern of the
Atlantic spotted dolphins from
Florida. Newborn or young animals
are dark purplish gray on the back,
grading to immaculate white on the
belly. As they mature, animals develop
light spots, first on the lower sides,
then higher on the back, and dark
spots on the belly. As spotting
increases, the cape becomes less
distinct. (Photos by A. Solis [a], D. K.
Caldwell [b, c], and courtesy of
Marineland of Florida [d, e, f].)

Figure 118.—Juvenile Atlantic spotted
dolphins at sea in the southeastern Caribbean.
Although spotters can be either relatively
short-snouted and chunky or long-snouted and
slightly built, the spinal blaze, flipper-to-eye
stripe, white lips, and falcate dorsal fin can be
used to identify them. (Photo by D. Poppe.)

Figure 119.—A captive Atlantic spotted
dolphin from off St. Augustine, Fla. This
species has from 30 to 36 teeth in each
upper jaw and from 28 to 35 in each

lower jaw, fewer than all other Stenella
except perhaps the bridled dolphin,
fewer than the saddleback dolphins, but
more than the Atlantic bottlenosed
dolphins. (Photo by S. Leatherwood.)

BRIDLED DOLPHIN (T)
Stenella frontalis (G. Cuvier 1829)

Other Common Names

Bridled spotted dolphin, Cuvier's dolphin, gamin (St. Vincent), bridled
porpoise.

Description

Bridled dolphins, the second species of spotted dolphins in the western
North Atlantic, reach an adult length of at least 7 feet (2.1 m). Like the
other, the Atlantic spotted dolphin (p. 104), bridled dolphins are
characterized by light grayish-white spots on the dark dorsal portions of the
body and dark spots on the light ventral surface. Other details of the
coloration differ somewhat. Bridled dolphins are dark gray on the back,
fading to lighter gray on the sides and belly. They lack the spinal blaze
characteristic of Atlantic spotted dolphins. Except on the head, the border
between the back and side colors is indistinct. On the head, the cape (the
dark color of the top of the head) is distinct. In the light gray of the side of
the head are the markings from which the species derives its common name,
"bridled dolphin." These are a black circle around the eye with an extension
to the junction (apex) of the rostrum and the melon (present in nearly all
dolphins) and a broad black stripe from the origin of the flipper to the
corner of the mouth. This mouth-to-flipper stripe tends to fade as spotting
increases. Both the upper and lower lips are white or pinkish.

Natural History Notes

Virtually nothing is known of the natural history of bridled dolphins except
that they have been observed in small herds of from 5 to 30 individuals and
sometimes ride the bow wave of a vessel.

May Be Confused With

At sea, bridled dolphins may be confused with Atlantic spotted dolphins or
spinner dolphins. Differences by which they may be distinguished from the
first are tabularized on p. 105. Differences between spinner and bridled
dolphins permitting identification at sea are as follows:

Bridled Dolphin Spinner Dolphin
COLORATION
Distinct cape on top of Dark gray on back; tan
head; side of head light or yellowish tan on
gray; distinct stripes sides; white on belly.
from flippers to corner
of mouth and from dark
circles around eye to
apex of melon.
BEAK
Shorter and more Extremely long and
slender; all black; lips slender; dark gray to
white. black on top, white
below; lips black.
DORSAL FIN
Uniformly dark gray. Often lighter gray in
middle, dark around
border.

Distribution

Bridled dolphins occur in tropical and subtropical waters primarily near
coastal areas and islands, but are best known from the West Indies. They

have been reported from the Antilles, from Texas, and from Florida north to
North Carolina. It has been speculated that this species replaces the Atlantic
spotted dolphin around the West Indies.
Bridled dolphins have not yet been described from the South American
coast.

Stranded Specimens

Bridled dolphins have from 29 to 34 teeth in each upper jaw and from 33 to
36 in each lower jaw. They can be distinguished from spinner dolphins,
which have 46-65 teeth in each jaw, by this character alone.
They may be distinguished from spotted dolphins only if the color pattern
of the head is clearly visible. If it has faded, the specimen will probably
require museum preparation and examination before it can be positively
identified.

Figure 120.—A bridled dolphin harpooned in
the commercial whale fishery off St. Vincent,
Lesser Antilles. If the color pattern has faded,
bridled dolphins cannot be readily
distinguished from the Atlantic spotted
dolphins and must be sent to a museum for
preparation and examination of the skull and
skeleton. (Photo by W. A. Huck, courtesy of
Marineland of Florida.)

Figure 121.—A bridled dolphin from St.
Vincent, Lesser Antilles. Note the dark cape of
the back, the lighter side, and the dark stripes
from the eye to the snout (found in most
dolphin species) and the flipper to the gape, a
feature which fades as the animal's spotting
increases. Together these two features
comprise the "bridle" from which the
common name derives. Note also the white lips
and the white lower jaw. (Photo by J. R.
Sullivan.)

SPINNER DOLPHIN (T)
Stenella longirostris Gray 1828

Other Common Names

Long-snouted dolphin, long-beaked porpoise, spinner porpoise, rollover (St.
Vincent).

Description

Spinner dolphins reach a maximum length of about 7 feet (2.1 m). The body
is slender. The beak varies from extremely long and slender (Fig. 123) to
relatively short (Fig. 125); the beak is usually dark on top and clean white
below, though there may be some white above. The tip of the snout and the
lips are distinctly black, while those of both species of spotted dolphins are
light. The back is dark gray to black, the sides are tan to yellowish brown,
and the belly is white. Some of the larger animals appear almost all black
with faint, light speckling. The dorsal fin is generally moderately falcate,
but may be almost triangular in adult males. It is often a lighter gray near
the middle, bordered by black or dark gray.

Natural History Notes

Spinner dolphins derive their common name from their habit of leaping
clear of the water and spinning on their longitudinal axis. The reasons for
this behavior are unknown. Individuals may rotate 2 times, or more, in one
leap but spinning behavior is not observed as frequently in the western
North Atlantic as it is in the eastern tropical Pacific.
Spinner dolphins occur in herds of up to several hundred individuals and
are often seen jumping clear of the water, working the sea surface into a
froth. They frequently come to the bow of a boat from considerable
distances to ride in the bow wave and may ride for protracted periods.

May Be Confused With

Spinner dolphins may be confused with saddleback dolphins. Both species
occur in large herds and often come to moving vessels to ride the bow
wave. The two can be distinguished, however, by these differences:

Spinner Dolphin Saddleback Dolphin
COLORATION
Dark gray on back; tan Dark gray to brownish
or yellowish tan on gray on back; white on
sides; white on belly; belly with crisscross or
lacks crisscross pattern hourglass pattern of tan
on sides; distinct black to yellow on sides;

stripe from flipper to distinct black stripe from
eye. flipper to middle of
lower jaw.

Spinner dolphins might also be confused with bridled dolphins, but may be
distinguished by the differences summarized on p. 108.

Distribution

Spinner dolphins are distributed in oceanic and coastal tropical waters.
Though one specimen was collected from South Carolina, they have been
more frequently reported from both coasts of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico,
the Caribbean, and the West Indies. They have also been reported from
Venezuela. They are said to be the most abundant dolphin species from the
southeastern Caribbean. Some Pacific spinner dolphins are distributed in
oceanic zones. Atlantic spinners may be abundant in offshore tropical
waters as well.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded spinner dolphins are most readily identified by the extremely long
rostrum and the 46-65 teeth, far more than any other species of dolphin.
Note that the striped dolphins may have from 43 to 50 teeth per side in each
jaw. However, striped dolphins are decidedly larger (to about 9 feet [2.7
m]), have a shorter beak, and are distinctly marked with dark stripes from
the eye to the flipper, from the eye to the anus, and from the area behind the
dorsal fin forward, towards but not reaching the head.
Saddleback dolphins also have from 40 to 50 teeth on each side but are also
easily distinguishable by the differences in coloration discussed above for
living animals at sea.

Figure 122.—Spinner dolphins occur in large
herds in tropical waters. As illustrated by
these photos of animals off Venezuela in 1969,
spinner dolphins often leap clear of the water
and may come to a moving vessel from
considerable distances away to frolic in its bow
wave. (Photo by M. Bartlett.)

Figure 123.—A spinner dolphin jumping close
beside a research vessel off the Virgin Islands.
The distinctive color pattern (gray on the
back, tan on the sides, and white on the belly)
is clearly visible. The black-tipped rostrum
and the black lips are key characters to this
species. (Photo by C. McCann.)

Figure 124.—Spinner dolphins
are active bow riders and may
stay with a vessel for long
periods of time. (Photo from off
the Virgin Islands by H. E.
Winn.)

Figure 125.—Although all spinner dolphins so
far examined have the same basic
characteristics, the degree of expression of
those characteristics varies from individual to
individual or area to area. These small short-
snouted dolphins (those on bottom stranded
near St. Petersburg, Fla. and maintained alive
by the Aquatarium in that city, and those on
top photographed at sea, off the northwestern
Africa coast in 1972) are spinners, although
their classification is uncertain. There may be
several species or geographical races of
spinners in the Atlantic. (Photos courtesy of W.
F. Perrin [top] and Aquatarium [bottom].)

Figure 126.—A spinner dolphin harpooned in
the fishery at St. Vincent, Lesser Antilles. Even

after subtle aspects of the color pattern have
faded, this species can be readily identified by
the 46-65 teeth in both upper and lower jaws
and by the distinctly black lips and black-
tipped rostrum. (Photo by W. A. Huck, courtesy
of Marineland of Florida.)

STRIPED DOLPHIN (T)
Stenella coeruleoalba (Meyen 1833)

Other Common Names

Euphrosyne dolphin (Stenella styx), Meyen's dolphin, blue-white dolphin,
Gray's dolphin, striped porpoise, streaker porpoise.

Description

The striped dolphin is a widely distributed relative of the spinner and the
Atlantic spotted dolphins, though it more closely resembles saddleback
dolphins than either of these two species. It reaches a maximum length of
about 9 feet (2.7 m) and is characterized by a series of distinctive black
stripes. One band of black begins near the eye and extends down the side of
the body to the area of the anus. (A small secondary stripe originating with
this band turns off and disappears in the white coloration of the side just
above the flippers.) A second band of black extends from the eye to the
flipper. Some workers have contended that striped dolphins are separable
into distinct species depending on whether the eye-to-flipper stripe has one
(S. coeruleoalba) or two (S. styx) components.
Most individuals have an additional distinctive finger of black coloration
which extends from the black coloration behind the dorsal fin forward
towards and about halfway to the eye. It is this feature which is most
distinctive in animals riding the bow or leaping clear of the water. The back
is dark gray to bluish gray, the sides are lighter gray, and the belly is white.

Natural History Notes

Though little is known of this species, it has been reported in herds of up to
several hundred individuals and apparently exhibits behaviors very similar
to those of the saddleback dolphins (p. 116), frequently jumping clear of the
water. Atlantic and Mediterranean animals have been reported to bow ride.

May Be Confused With

This species is most likely to be confused with the saddleback dolphin,
which it closely resembles. The two may be distinguished by the following
characteristics:

Striped Dolphin Saddleback Dolphin
LENGTH
To about 9 feet (2.7 m) Seldom greater than 7.5
or more. feet (2.3 m).
COLORATION
Back from light gray to Back basically black or
dark gray to bluish gray; brownish; distinct white
sides gray; belly gray or chest or belly patch;
white; distinctive black hourglass or crisscross
lateral stripping from 1) pattern on the sides;
eye to flipper, 2) eye to distinct black stripe from
anus, and 3) dark color flipper to middle of
behind dorsal fin lower jaw.
forward, towards but not
reaching head.

Distribution

Striped dolphins are widely distributed in the temperate, subtropical, and
tropical seas of the western North Atlantic. They have been reported from at
least Halifax, Nova Scotia, south as far as Jamaica. (Additional records,
purportedly from southern Greenland, involved a museum specimen. Since

striped dolphins of the eastern North Atlantic are rare north of England, the
species occurrence near Greenland would be highly improbable.)
Individuals have recently been reported from the Gulf of Mexico.
Despite this wide distribution, striped dolphins appear to prefer warmer
waters and are probably normally confined to the Gulf Stream or the waters
off the continental slope. Individuals appearing to the north of the range
seem to have ventured northward with fingers of warm water.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded striped dolphins should be readily identifiable by the highly
distinctive patterns of lateral striping discussed above for living animals. If
the color pattern has faded, they may still be identified by their size, larger
than other dolphin species of similar appearance, and the relatively large
number of teeth (43-50 per side in both upper and lower jaws). Only the
spinner dolphin, much smaller in body length and having a much longer
beak, has more teeth (46-65 per side in each jaw).

Figure 127.—Despite some similarities in
appearance and behavior to saddleback
dolphins, striped dolphins can be readily
identified by the prominent dark stripes on the
side of the body. These striped dolphins were
photographed between the Caribbean Islands

of Curacao and Bonaire in 1972. (Photo by D.
Poppe.)

Figure 128.—When they ride the bow, the
most apparent characteristic of striped
dolphins is usually the dark streak beginning
in the black coloration behind the dorsal fin
and extending forward towards but not
reaching the head. This stripe is not always
present, however, and the species may
sometimes appear uniformly pale gray from a
distance. (Photo from the tropical Atlantic by H.
E. Winn.)

Figure 129.—Stranded striped
dolphins. Note the distinctive black
stripes 1) eye to flipper, 2) eye to anus,
and 3) (on top animal) from black
behind dorsal fin forward towards but
not reaching the head. Some workers
contend that striped dolphins are
separable into two species, depending
on whether the eye-to-flipper stripe has
one (Stenella coeruleoalba) or two (S.
styx) components. Others contend that
the two belong to the same species (S.
coeruleoalba). Striped dolphins have
from 43 to 50 teeth in each upper and
lower jaw. (Photos from Japan by W. E.
Schevill [top] and from Indian Rocks
Beach, Fla. by W. A. Huck, courtesy of
Marineland of Florida [bottom].)

SADDLEBACK DOLPHIN (T)
Delphinus delphis Linnaeus 1758

Other Common Names

Saddleback porpoise, common dolphin, crisscross dolphin.

Description

Saddleback dolphins reach a maximum overall length of about 8.5 feet (2.6
m) though most individuals are less than 7.5 feet (2.3 m) long. Males are
slightly larger than females of the same age.
The body shape varies slightly but usually closely resembles that of the
striped dolphin (p. 113). The dorsal fin varies from nearly triangular to
distinctly falcate and is pointed on the tip. It is sometimes all black and
sometimes black on the borders with a lighter grayish region of varying size
near the middle.
The back is basically black or brownish black, but this coloration and the
extent of the striping patterns that form the impression of a saddle and the
degree of color distinction between the different zones are highly variable.
The chest and belly are cream white to white and are the most distinctive
features from a distance. Up close, the sides will be seen to be distinctly
marked with an hourglass or crisscross pattern of tan or yellowish tan. This
crisscross pattern is diagnostic for the species.
The rostrum is intermediate in length and shape between that of the spinner
and that of the striped dolphin and is often black with a white tip.

Natural History Notes

Saddleback dolphins are often seen in herds of a thousand or more and are
often very active, many animals leaping clear of the water at any time. Like
spinner dolphins, saddleback dolphins are active bow-riders and often come
to the boat from considerable distances. Once on the bow they often ride for
extended periods of time.

Saddleback dolphins feed on squid and on a variety of fishes, including
anchovies, myctophids, and hake.

May Be Confused With

Saddleback dolphins might easily be confused with striped dolphins and
must be examined closely to be distinguished from them. Primary
differences apparent in encounters at sea are as follows:

Saddleback Dolphin Striped Dolphin
COLORATION
Back basically black or Back from light gray to
brownish; distinct white dark gray to bluish gray;
chest or belly patch; sides gray; belly gray or
hourglass or crisscross white; distinctive black
pattern on sides, some lateral striping from 1)
tan to yellowish tan; eye to flipper, 2) eye to
distinct black stripe from anus, and 3) dark color
flipper to middle of behind dorsal fin
lower jaw. forward, towards but not
reaching head.
LENGTH
To 7.5 feet, rarely to 8.5 To 9 feet (2.7 m).
feet (2.3-2.6 m).

From a distance, saddleback dolphins might also be confused with spinner
dolphins because of the habits of both species of congregating in large
schools with much jumping and splashing. Both species ride the bow wave,
and close examination should permit positive identification using the
following characteristics:

Saddleback Dolphin Spinner Dolphin
COLORATION

Dark gray to brownish Dark gray on back; tan
gray on back; white on or yellowish tan on
belly with crisscross or sides; white on belly;
hourglass pattern of tan lacks crisscross pattern
to yellowish tan on side; on sides; distinct black
distinct black stripe from stripe from flipper to
flipper to middle of eye.
lower jaw.

Distribution

Saddleback dolphins are widely distributed in the temperate, subtropical,
and tropical waters of the western North Atlantic Ocean. They have been
reported off Newfoundland, Iceland, Nova Scotia, and the coast of
Massachusetts, south along the coast of North America to the Caribbean
(West Indies and Jamaica), in the Gulf of Mexico, and from South
American waters at least to Margarita Island, Venezuela.
The species' occurrence in the more northerly portions of this range during
the summer and early fall months appears to coincide with the intrusion of
warm waters into those areas. They are not uncommon off Nova Scotia in
summer and fall and are casual members of the marine mammalian fauna of
the remaining Maritime Provinces during that period.
In previous years, saddleback dolphins were not uncommonly encountered
by collectors of Marineland of Florida working the northeast coast of
Florida, but the species has been conspicuously absent since about 1960.
Reasons for this apparent shift of range are unknown.

Stranded Specimens

Saddleback dolphins have from 40 to 50 small, sharply pointed teeth in
each side of both the upper and lower jaws. These numbers overlap with
only those of the striped and spinner dolphins (with 43-50 and 46-65,
respectively). Saddleback dolphins should be readily distinguishable from
both these species by the features outlined under the descriptions of living
animals and distinguishable from the bridled dolphins by the distinctive
markings on the head of the two species (see Figs. 121 and 134).

Figure 130.—Saddleback dolphins
captured off St. Augustine, Fla., shown
in the tank at Marineland of Florida.
The highly distinctive crisscross or
hourglass pattern of tan or yellowish
tan on the sides is clearly visible. Note
also the light tip of the snout and the
dark line from the center of the lower
jaw to the flipper. This last
characteristic readily distinguishes the
saddleback dolphin from the striped
dolphin, in which the black stripe
begins at the corner of the mouth
rather than near the center of the
lower jaw. (Photos courtesy of
Marineland of Florida.)

Figure 131.—Saddleback dolphins on the bow
of a ship off Massachusetts in 1966. The color
pattern, including the dark brownish-gray
back, the crisscross pattern on the sides, and
the white belly, are clearly visible. The light tip
of the snout helps distinguish this species from
the spinner dolphins, which have a black-
tipped snout. (Photo by E. Wheeler.)

Figure 132.—The distinctive crisscross pattern
of the sides of the saddleback dolphins is
clearly visible even when comparatively little
of the animal is seen. Note the falcate dorsal
fin, which often, as here, is dark on the border,
lighter near the center. (Photo by R. K.

Brigham, courtesy of National Marine Fisheries
Service.)

Figure 133.—Saddleback dolphins frequently
jump clear of the water and may reenter in a
variety of ways: 1) smoothly, head first; 2)
with a chin slap; 3) with an accompanying tail
lob; or 4) on the sides or back with a splash.
This habit enables them to be spotted from a
considerable distance. When stressed, herds
bunch tightly together, like the group in the
bottom photo. (Photos from off Virginia by J.
G. Mead [top] and off San Diego, Calif. by S.
Leatherwood [bottom].)

Figure 134.—A saddleback dolphin stranded
on Westerly Beach, R.I. The origin of the
common name "crisscross dolphin" is evident
in the color pattern of the side. Note also the
distinctive black stripe from the center of the
lower jaw to the origin of the flipper. (Photo
courtesy of H. E. Winn.)

FRASER'S DOLPHIN (T)
Lagenodelphis hosei Fraser 1956

Other Common Names

Sarawak dolphin, Bornean dolphin, Fraser's porpoise.

Description

Fraser's dolphins reach an overall length of at least 8 feet (2.4 m). They are
extremely short-beaked and have a pronounced dark stripe, similar to that
found on the striped dolphin, extending from the rostrum to the area of the
anus. They are robust in build and have rather small flippers and dorsal fin
relative to body size. The dorsal fin is slender, falcate, and pointed on the
tip. The body is gray on the back and white on the belly. The color of the
side is dominated by the striping pattern. A cream-white band beginning
high on the rostrum extends above and past the eye, continues towards the
tail, and finally dissipates in the body color above the anus. Just below and
parallel to this cream-white band is a black one extending from the area of
the eye to the anus. A second cream-white band below and parallel to this

dark strip separates the darker gray coloration of the side from the white
coloration of the belly. The flippers are dark above and below.

Natural History Notes

The little that is known of the natural history and behavior of the species
may be summarized as follows: Fraser's dolphins occur in groups of up to at
least 500 animals and in the Pacific are occasionally seen with spotted
dolphins (Stenella attenuata). From all accounts, they are not uncommon in
certain areas of the tropical Pacific and off South Africa.
Fraser's dolphins appear to be deep divers. They are aggressive swimmers
and, when they surface to breathe, often charge to the surface, creating a
spray from their heads. They have also been reported leaping clear of the
water.

May Be Confused With

Fraser's dolphin is intermediate in form between Lagenorhynchus and
Delphinus delphis (thus the composite name Lagenodelphis). Because the
species is apparently limited to tropical waters, however, and because of the
prominent stripe on the side of the body, Fraser's dolphins are more likely to
be confused with the striped dolphins (p. 113). The two species can be
distinguished at sea by several characteristics:

Fraser's Dolphin Striped Dolphin
COLORATION
Single broad black stripe Color dominated by
from beak and eye back series of stripes from: 1)
to area of anus. eye to anus; 2) eye to
flipper, and 3) black
behind dorsal fin
forward, towards but not
reaching the head.
BEAK

Extremely short and Longer, much more
indistinct. distinctive.
BODY SHAPE
Robust, particularly in Slenderer.
front of dorsal fin.
FLIPPERS
Small, dark in color, and Longer, sometimes
originating in light color lighter on upper surface;
of sides. note stripe from front of
flippers to eye.
DORSAL FIN
Small, slender, slightly Taller dorsal fin, broader
falcate, and pointed on at base.
top.

Distribution

Although Fraser's dolphins have yet to be described for the western North
Atlantic Ocean, they are included here as "possibles" because of the recent
discovery that their range is far more extensive than previously known.
Records to date have been limited to offshore tropical waters.
The species was first described in 1956 from the remains of a beach-washed
specimen from Sarawak in the South China Sea. Since that time specimens
have been collected from the eastern tropical Pacific, and others have
stranded in such widely divergent localities as Australia, South Africa, and
Japan. Recent summaries have added sighting records from the Central
Pacific, near the Phoenix Island, from northwest of the Galapagos Islands,
and from South African waters.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded Fraser's dolphins should be readily identifiable by 1) distinctive
coloration of the body; 2) short, indistinctive beak; and 3) robust form. The

only other species of small dolphins with beaks of similar length and
general appearance are the Atlantic white-sided and white-beaked dolphins
(p. 123 and 126); these dolphins, both with far more northerly ranges, have
30-40 and 22-28 teeth in each side of each jaw, respectively, while Fraser's
dolphins have from 40 to 44 teeth in the upper jaw and from 39 to 44 in the
lower jaw.

Figure 135.—Fraser's dolphins,
like these photographed off the
Phoenix Islands in the Pacific (top)
and this one off the Philippines
(bottom), are definitely identifiable
in their tropical range by the short
snout, the dark flank stripe and
the small dorsal fin and flippers.

They may reach 8 feet (2.4 m), or
more, in length and occur in herds
of at least 500 animals, sometimes
with spinner dolphins or Atlantic
spotted dolphins. (Photos by K. C.
Balcomb [top] and T. Hammond
[bottom].)

Figure 136.—Fraser's dolphins from
the eastern tropical Pacific: adult
(top and inset) and calf (bottom).
Note the distinctive black lateral
strip and the extremely small
flippers and dorsal fin. (Photos by R.
Garvie [top and inset] and S.
Leatherwood [bottom].)

ATLANTIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN (T)
Lagenorhynchus acutus (Gray 1828)

Other Common Names

Atlantic white-sided porpoise, jumper (Newfoundland).

Description

Atlantic white-sided dolphins reach about 9 feet (2.7 m) in maximum length
and are robust in form with a small but distinct beak (less than 2 inches [5.1
cm] long).
The dorsal fin is tall, distinctly back curved, and pointed on the tip. The tail
stock is extremely thick and does not narrow laterally until very near the tail
flukes.
The back is distinctly black, the belly white. The sides have zones of gray,
tan, and white.
The single most distinctive feature of Atlantic white-sided dolphins is an
elongated oval zone of white and yellowish white along the sides from just
below the dorsal fin to the area above the anus. These patches of lighter
coloration, clearly demarcated from each other and from the surrounding
coloration, are frequently visible simultaneously with the dorsal fin as the
animals roll at the surface to breathe. Even alone this feature permits
positive identification of the species. The dorsal fin is often part gray, part
black. The beak is all black.

Natural History Notes

Atlantic white-sided dolphins are known to congregate in herds of perhaps a
thousand animals, though smaller herds are far more common. The species
is often wary of ships and does not ordinarily ride the bow wave. Like a
number of other species, white-sided dolphins have been reported in
association with Atlantic pilot whales.

May Be Confused With

At sea, Atlantic white-sided dolphins are most likely to be confused with
the white-beaked dolphins, with which they overlap in distribution. Though
they are very similar in general appearance, the two can be distinguished in
the following ways:

Atlantic White-Sided
White-Beaked Dolphin
Dolphin
COLORATION
Elongated band of Two grayish areas—one
yellowish white and in front, the other below
white along side, visible and behind dorsal fin,
behind and below dorsal visible as animal rolls.
fin as animal rolls.
BEAK
All black. Sometimes white in
parts of range though
western Atlantic animals
are usually dark.
MAXIMUM SIZE
To 9 feet (2.7 m). To 10 feet (3.1 m).
DORSAL FIN
Often part black, part Uniformly dark.
lighter gray.

Distribution

Atlantic white-sided dolphins are distributed, primarily offshore, in the cool
waters between the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current. They have been
observed from Hudson Canyon, off New York City, north to southern
Greenland and perhaps Davis Straits. Their normal range shares a southern

boundary with the white-beaked dolphin but does not extend as far to the
north.

Stranded Specimens

In addition to the features described above for living animals at sea,
stranded Atlantic white-sided dolphins can be distinguished from white-
beaked dolphins by the following:

Atlantic White-Sided
White-Beaked Dolphin
Dolphin
NUMBER OF TEETH
30-40 per side per jaw, 22-28 per side per jaw;
sometimes more in have larger individual
upper. teeth—to 6 mm in
diameter.
FLIPPERS
Lower portion of Lower portion of
forward margin more forward margin less
curved. acutely curved.
VENTRAL COLOR
White coloration of White coloration of
belly extends high onto belly extends to lower
sides of body. jaw but not above
flippers on sides.
CAUDAL CRESTS
Tail stock strongly Tail stock less laterally
compressed laterally; lcompressed, tapers
taller, narrows rapidly more gently towards tail
just in front of flukes. flukes.

Figure 137.—Atlantic white-sided dolphins at
sea between Cape Cod, Mass. and Nova Scotia.
This species can be positively identified by the
elongated zone of white and the adjacent
region of tan or yellowish tan below and
behind the dorsal fin, visible even in the fast-
swimming animal in the bottom picture. The
top photo illustrates the origin of the
Newfoundland common name "jumper."
(Photos by K. C. Balcomb [top] and H. E. Winn
[bottom].)

Figure 138.—An Atlantic white-sided dolphin
off the eastern Canadian coast. These animals
do not usually ride the bow wave, but when
they can be examined at close range, they can
be readily distinguished from their more
northerly cousins, the white-beaked dolphins,
by their highly distinctive color pattern. (Photo
by P. B. Beamish.)

Figure 139.—The highly distinctive pattern of
the Atlantic white-sided dolphins is clearly
visible in this animal stranded in Scotland.
Even if the color pattern has faded, however,

this species should be easy to identify. The 30-
40 teeth in each of the upper and lower jaws
permit distinction from the white-beaked
dolphins, which have only about 22-28 per side
in each jaw. (Photos by B. Tullock, courtesy of
A. S. Clarke.)

WHITE-BEAKED DOLPHIN (T)
Lagenorhynchus albirostris Gray 1846

Other Common Names

White-beaked porpoise, squidhound (Newfoundland).

Description

White-beaked dolphins reach a maximum overall length of about 10 feet
(3.1 m). The body is robust in form with a tall, uniformly dark-gray dorsal
fin, and a short but distinct beak which, as the common name implies, is
often light gray to white above and below, at least in European waters. The
beak of animals in the western Atlantic populations is less frequently white.
The back and sides are basically dark gray to black, and the belly is white to
light gray.
Swimming white-beaked dolphins can be most readily identified by the two
areas of pale coloration on the sides, one in front of and another below and
behind the dorsal fin. These areas are clearly visible from a ship or aircraft
as the animals roll at the surface.

Natural History Notes

White-beaked dolphins may sometimes occur in herds of up to 1,500
individuals. Like their cousins, the Atlantic white-sided dolphins, they do
not commonly ride the bow waves of vessels.

White-beaked dolphins feed on squid, octopus, cod, herring, capelin, and
sometimes on benthic crustaceans.

May Be Confused With

In their northerly range white-beaked dolphins are likely to be confused
with only the Atlantic white-sided dolphins. The most distinctive features of
white-beaked dolphins are 1) the two areas of paleness described above, 2)
the prominent, dark gray dorsal fin, and sometimes 3) the white beak. Other
features by which the two species may be distinguished in the brief
encounters typical at sea are tabularized on p. 127.

Distribution

White-beaked dolphins are the more northerly of the two species of
Lagenorhynchus in the western North Atlantic. They are found from Cape
Cod, Mass., north to western and southern Greenland and Davis Straits,
though they are apparently far more numerous to the north of this range.
They appear in Davis Straits in spring and summer and leave that area in
autumn, sometimes as late as November, to move southward. They winter
as far south as Cape Cod, where they are the common dolphin species in
April, May, and June (sometimes to July). Their migrations are poorly
known.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded white-beaked dolphins can be most readily distinguished from
white-sided dolphins by the substantial differences in coloration and the
differences in numbers of teeth.

Atlantic White-Sided
White-Beaked Dolphin
Dolphin
TEETH
22-28 per side per jaw. 30-40 per side per jaw,
sometimes more in
upper jaw.

COLORATION
Beak sometimes gray or Beak all black; side
white above and below; marked with elongated
two pale areas visible on areas of white with
living animals not streaking patterns of
visible on stranded yellow and tan.
specimens.

Additional characteristics by which the two species may be distinguished
are summarized on p. 123.

Figure 140.—Two views of white-beaked
dolphins off Newfoundland. This species is
characterized by a prominent uniform dark
gray dorsal fin and two areas of paleness on
the sides, one in front of and one below and
behind the dorsal fin. White-beaked dolphins
are distributed from Newfoundland north,
extending to more northerly waters than
Atlantic white-sided dolphins. (Photos by H. E.
Winn [bottom] and W. A. Watkins [top].)

Figure 141.—White-beaked dolphins reach
nearly 10 feet (3.1 m) in length. Stranded
animals, such as this specimen from Scotland,
should be distinguishable from Atlantic white-
sided dolphins by their differences in
coloration. This species sometimes has a white
beak and always lacks the elongated white
patch and tan or yellow streaking found on the
side of Atlantic white-sided dolphins. (Photos
by A. S. Clarke.)

ATLANTIC BOTTLENOSED DOLPHIN (T)
Tursiops truncatus (Montague 1821)

Other Common Names

Bottlenosed porpoise, gray porpoise, common porpoise.[12]
[12] See also p. 150 for use of this common name for another species, the harbor
porpoise.

Description

Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins reach a maximum overall length of about 12
feet (3.7 m) and weigh in excess of 1,430 pounds (650 kg). They have
relatively stubby snouts and dorsal fins, which are broad at the base, tall,
and falcate. Coloration varies slightly, but individuals are usually dark gray
on the back, lighter gray on the side, grading to white or pink on the belly.
Old females may have spots on the belly. The dark coloration of the back
often appears as a highly distinct cape, particularly on the head.

Natural History Notes

Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins often occur in groups of up to several hundred
individuals which usually consist of aggregations of small groups of no
more than a dozen animals each. They frequently associate with the Atlantic
pilot whales and are frequently found accompanying the right and
humpback whales travelling along the Atlantic coast of Florida.
Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins have catholic tastes, feeding on shrimp, eels,
catfish, menhadden mullet, and miscellaneous trash fish, to mention only a
few. They are frequently found near shrimp boats, feeding on fish stirred up
by the trawls or on discarded trash fish.
They sometimes move in to ride the bow wave of a vessel, turning on their
sides, sometimes spinning completely around on their longitudinal axis
when doing so. Individuals may also turn their heads downward or to the
side. They are often found close to shore, in bays and lagoons, and
sometimes venture up the larger rivers. Some individuals, especially the
larger animals, are found as far offshore as the edge of the continental shelf.
Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins sometimes ride the surf. Individuals may
jump clear of the water as high as 15-20 feet (4.6-6.1 m), a behavior on
which aquarium shows have capitalized.

Members of this species are the dolphins most commonly maintained in
captivity at zoos, aquariums, marine parks, and research institutions. For
that reason, they are perhaps more familiar to the general public than any
other species of porpoise, dolphin, or whale.

May Be Confused With

From at least Cape Hatteras southward, the range of the Atlantic
bottlenosed dolphins distributed in inshore areas may overlap with that of
Atlantic spotted dolphins, particularly during the spring and summer, when
the Atlantic spotted dolphins move inshore. There the two species may be
confused. The Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins and the Atlantic spotted
dolphins can be distinguished, however, by the following characteristics:

Atlantic Bottlenosed
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
Dolphin
MAXIMUM SIZE
8 feet to as much as 12 7.5-8 feet (2.3-2.4 m).
feet (2.4 to 3.7 m).
COLORATION
Not spotted (old females Dark purplish gray on
may have spots on back; lighter gray on
belly); dark gray on sides and belly; body
back; light gray on sides; becomes increasingly
white or pink on belly. spotted with age.
HEAD AND BEAK
Head robust; beak Head more slender; beak
relatively short. longer.

Some Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins are distributed well offshore as far as
the edge of the continental shelf. Those individuals may be confused with
either rough-toothed dolphins (p. 135) or with grampus (p. 96). They may
be distinguished from rough-toothed dolphins by the following:

Atlantic Bottlenosed
Rough-Toothed Dolphin
Dolphin
BODY COLOR
Dark gray on back; light Dark gray, almost
gray on side; white or purplish with yellow
pink on belly. spots; lighter on belly.
SNOUT
Relatively short and Long and slender; not
stubby, and clearly clearly demarcated from
demarcated from forehead; lower jaw and
forehead; usually all lips speckled white.
gray; some older
individuals have white-
tipped snouts and/or
white lips.

Distinguishing differences between the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins in
offshore areas and grampus are tabularized on p. 96.
In northeastern South America the range of the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin
apparently overlaps with that of the Guiana dolphin, which, except for size,
it closely resembles (see p. 132).

Distribution

The Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins are widely distributed in the temperate
and tropical waters of the western North best known from New England
southward to Florida, westward in the Gulf of Mexico, and thence
throughout the West Indies and Caribbean to Venezuela.
In the northern portion of that range, Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins are
distributed offshore. In the southern portions of their range from at least
North Carolina southward, the majority are found nearshore and often enter
bays and lagoons, and sometimes venture up the larger rivers. Daily
migrations in these areas may follow tidal flow.

In these same southerly areas some Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins are
distributed as far offshore as the edge of the continental shelf.

Stranded Specimens

Within their range, stranded Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins should be readily
identifiable by 1) the robust body, 2) relatively short beak, and 3) the 20-26
teeth in each upper jaw and 18-24 in each lower jaw.

Figure 142.—Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins
leaping on the bow of a research vessel
between Cape Cod, Mass. and Nova Scotia.
Note the robust body, the falcate dorsal fin,
and the gradation of color in three zones—
dark gray on the back, to lighter gray on the
sides, to white or pink on the belly. (Photo by
A. Taruski.)

Figure 143.—A side view of the Atlantic
bottlenosed dolphins off St. Augustine, Fla.
Note the dark grayish coloration of the back,
the lighter coloration of the side, and the tall,
sharply angled dorsal fin, pointed on the tip.
Though dorsal fin shapes are highly variable,
dorsal fins of the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin
are usually more falcate and less pointed on
the tip than on these animals. (Photo courtesy
of Marineland of Florida.)

Figure 144.—Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins
frequently ride the bow wave, often turning on
their sides as they do so. Note the distinctive
color zones, the characteristic shape of the
head and beak, and the smooth lines of the
flippers. (Photo by L. Rigley.)

Figure 145.—An Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin
taken at Isla La Blanquilla, off Venezuela.
Because they inhabit shallow waters, Atlantic
bottlenosed dolphins are infrequent victims of
strandings. (Photo courtesy of F. Cervigon.)

Figure 146.—Atlantic bottlenosed
dolphins have from 20 to 26 teeth
in each side of the upper jaw and
from 18 to 24 in each side of the
lower jaw. These teeth, sharply
pointed in younger animals, may
wear substantially as the animal
ages. (Photo courtesy of Wometco
Miami Seaquarium.)

GUIANA DOLPHIN (T)
Sotalia guianensis (P.-J. van Beneden 1864)

Other Common Names

None known.

Description

Guiana dolphins are the second smallest cetacean species in the western
North Atlantic, reaching a maximum length of only about 5.6 feet (1.7 m).
Their body shape is very similar to that of the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin,
though the beak is less clearly demarcated from the forehead.
The rather prominent dorsal fin is nearly triangular, curving only slightly
backwards near the tip.
Guiana dolphins are steel blue to dark brown on the back and white on the
belly. There is sometimes a brownish band extending from the dark color of
the back in front of the dorsal fin back towards but not reaching the anus.

Natural History Notes

Guiana dolphins are usually found in groups of fewer than 10 individuals.

May Be Confused With

Because of their limited range and specialized habitats, Guiana dolphins are
unlikely to be confused with any other cetacean species except perhaps
Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins (p. 128). These two species can be
distinguished by the following characteristics:

Atlantic Bottlenosed
Guiana Dolphins
Dolphins
SIZE
To only 5.6 feet (1.7 m). 8 to as much as 12 feet
(2.4 to 3.7 m).
DORSAL FIN
More nearly triangular; Broad-based, tall, and
curved only slightly falcate.
backwards near tip.
DISTRIBUTION
Found in rivers and Sometimes found
estuaries, extend into nearshore and in bays,
only very shallow river mouths, and
nearshore waters on estuaries, but extend
limited area of South farther offshore.
American coast.

Distribution

Guiana dolphins are found in Lake Maracaibo, in the rivers of Guyana, and
in the nearshore coastal waters of the northeastern portion of the Guianas.

Stranded Specimens

In their very limited range, stranded Guiana dolphins can be readily
identified by their extremely small size (to 5.6 feet [1.7 m]) and nearly
triangular dorsal fin. Furthermore, in addition to the characteristics listed

above distinguishing living Guiana dolphins from Atlantic bottlenosed
dolphins, the species can be distinguished by differences in the numbers of
teeth:

Atlantic Bottlenosed
Guiana Dolphins
Dolphins
TEETH
20-26 in each upper jaw; 26-35 in each jaw; often
18-26 in each lower jaw. ragged in arrangement.

Figure 147.—A Guiana dolphin
from Kartabo, British Guiana. In
the coastal portion of its range
along the northeastern South
American coast, this species is
most likely to be confused with

the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin.
Guiana dolphins are much
smaller, rarely exceeding 5.6 feet
(1.7 m), have a more triangular
dorsal fin, and tend to be found
more frequently in estuaries and
rivers. (Photo by A. B. Van
Beneden from Zoologica VII(4), by
permission of the New York
Zoological Society.)

Figure 148.—Guiana dolphins
harpooned in Kartabo, British
Guiana. Guiana dolphins have
from 26 to 35 teeth in each jaw.
Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins,
which are larger but somewhat

similar in appearance, have from
20 to 26 teeth in each upper jaw
and from 18 to 26 in each lower
jaw. (Photo by A. B. Van Beneden
from Zoologica VII (4), by
permission of the New York
Zoological Society.)

ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHIN (T)
Steno bredanensis (G. Cuvier in Lesson 1828)

Other Common Names

Rough-toothed porpoise, goggle-eyed porpoise.

Description

Rough-toothed dolphins reach a length of at least 8 feet (2.4 m). The
coloration of the rough-toothed dolphins is quite variable. Individuals are
often dark gray to dark purplish gray on the back with pinkish-white
blotches on the sides and belly. The flippers and flukes are dark and the
belly is white. Individuals are frequently scarred with numerous white
streaks.
The most distinctive characteristic of the rough-toothed dolphin is its beak,
which is quite long and slender, may be white or pinkish white along both
sides, including one or both lips and the tip of the snout, and is not
separated from the forehead by the transverse groove present in other long-
snouted dolphins. Because the forehead and the sides of the head slope
smoothly into the rostrum, when this animal is seen from above or from the
side, its entire head appears very long and nearly conical.

Natural History Notes

Rough-toothed dolphins occur in small groups of 50 animals or fewer and
are usually found off the edge of the continental slope. They may ride the
bow waves.

May Be Confused With

In their offshore habitat, rough-toothed dolphins are most likely to be
confused with Atlantic spotted dolphins (p. 104) and with Atlantic
bottlenosed dolphins (p. 128). They may be distinguished from Atlantic
spotted dolphins by the following:

Rough-Toothed Dolphin Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
SNOUTS
Long and slender; not Moderate in length and
clearly demarcated from clearly demarcated from
forehead. forehead.

They may be distinguished from Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins by the
characteristics tabularized on p. 128.
Even at a distance the blotched coloration of the side and the white
coloration of the rostrum of rough-toothed dolphins may be visible. If
closer examination is possible, the distinctive shape and coloration of the
beak make positive identification easy.

Distribution

Though records of rough-toothed dolphins from the western North Atlantic
are scant, the species is assumed to be widely distributed in deep tropical to
warm temperate waters. It has been reported from Virginia, Georgia,
Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the West Indies, and off the northeastern coast
of South America.

Stranded Specimens

In addition to the characteristics listed above for distinguishing living
animals, stranded rough-toothed dolphins can be readily identified by the

fact that the 20-27 fairly large teeth per jaw per side have a series of fine
vertical wrinkles on the crown, a characteristic from which the species
derives its common name. (These wrinkles are often difficult to detect.)

Figure 149.—Captive rough-toothed dolphins
in Japan. Note the distinctive, smoothly
tapering head and the white coloration of the
sides and front of the snout. Rough-toothed
dolphins are probably widely distributed in
the offshore waters of the tropics. The
streamers on the backs of the animals are
marker tags (see Appendix A.) (Photo courtesy
of Japanese Whales Research Institute.)

Figure 150.—Closeups of the highly distinctive
head of a rough-toothed dolphin showing the
white lips and the lack of a clear demarcation
between the snout and the forehead. This
species has from 20 to 27 fairly large teeth in
each side of both the upper and lower jaws.
(Photos at Sea Life Park, Hawaii, by K. C.
Balcomb [top] and S. Leatherwood [bottom].)

Figure 151.—A rough-toothed dolphin
stranded near New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
This species has from 20 to 27 fairly
large teeth in each side of both the upper
and lower jaws. Those teeth are
sometimes marked by many fine vertical
wrinkles along the crown, a
characteristic from which the species
derives its common name. (Photos by D.
K. Caldwell.)

PYGMY KILLER WHALE (T)
Feresa attenuata Gray 1874

Other Common Names

Slender blackfish, slender pilot whale.

Description

Pygmy killer whales reach a length of about 8-9 feet (2.4-2.7 m). They are
usually relatively slender-bodied with a rounded head, an underslung jaw,
and no beak.
The falcate dorsal fin, located about the center of the back, is usually
between 8 and 12 inches (20.3 and 30.1 cm) tall (though it may reach 15
inches [38 cm] in some individuals), is sometimes very distinctive, and
resembles that of the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin. The flippers are slightly
rounded on the tips.
The color has been described as dark gray or black on the back, often
lighter on the sides, extending higher in front of the dorsal fin and with a
small zone of white on the underside, often a lighter gray area on the sides,
and distinctive white regions around the lips. The chin may be completely
white. This white zone on the chin, described as a "goatee," is often clearly
visible in swimming animals.

May Be Confused With

The pygmy killer whale resembles the false killer whale but is much
smaller and can be distinguished at close range by the zones of white
coloration. False killer whales are almost all black and reach a length of up
to at least 18 feet (5.5 m). Pygmy killer whales are dark gray on the back,
often lighter on the sides, and show a region of white on the belly which
may extend so high up onto the sides that it is visible on a swimming
animal. Further, they reach only 8-9 feet (2.4-2.7 m).
Pygmy killer whales may also be confused with the similarly sized and
colored many-toothed blackfish. So little is known of the two species'
appearance and behavior at sea that it is doubtful that they can be
successfully distinguished, though many-toothed blackfish apparently lack
the white region often seen on the sides of pygmy killer whales. Further,
pygmy killer whales have rounded flippers and smoothly tapered heads,
while those of the many-toothed blackfish are pointed on the tip and more
sharply pointed (often described as a parrot beak).

Distribution

Pygmy killer whales are probably distributed in the tropical and subtropical
waters of the western North Atlantic. They have been reported from Texas,
the Atlantic coast of Florida, and St. Vincent Island, Lesser Antilles.
Records of the species from the other oceans of the world suggest that its
distribution is limited to tropical and subtropical waters.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded pygmy killer whales can be clearly distinguished from both the
false killer whale and the many-toothed blackfish. In addition to the
differences discussed above, the following are key differences between the
pygmy and false killer whales:

Pygmy Killer Whale False Killer Whale
TEETH
10-13 in each side of 8-11 per jaw per side,
upper and lower jaws; prominent.
lower teeth smaller.
VENTRAL COLORATION
White from anus to Dark from anus to tail
under tail stock, white stock; lighter pale gray
may extend up sides. area forward between
flippers.
FLIPPERS
Smoothly rounded. Characteristic hump on
forward margin.

Pygmy killer whales can be distinguished from many-toothed blackfish on
the basis of the second species' larger number of teeth. (Many-toothed
blackfish have from 22 to 25 teeth in the upper jaw and from 21 to 24 in the
lower jaw.)

Figure 152.—Pygmy killer whales at
sea northwest of Hawaii (top) off
the island of Oahu, Hawaii
(middle), and from southeastern
Florida in the tank at the Wometco
Miami Seaquarium (bottom). When
swimming rapidly, pygmy killer
whales may closely resemble the
much larger false killer whales. In
addition to their much smaller size,
rarely exceeding 9 feet (2.7 m),
however, pygmy killer whales can
be distinguished by their more
rounded head, the white coloration
of the lips and chin, and the white
zone on the belly, sometimes
extending up the sides. (Photos by S.
Ohsumi [top]; J. Naughton, National
Marine Fisheries Service and

courtesy of E. Shallenberger, Sea
Life Park [middle]; and courtesy of
Wometco Miami Seaquarium
[bottom].)

Figure 153.—Pygmy killer whales 5 miles off
Kaena Point, Oahu, Hawaii. These
individuals were dark on the back with
varying degrees of lighter coloration on the
sides, extending high onto the sides in front
of the dorsal fin. Many had a white "goatee"
on the chin and lower jaw. The prominent
dorsal fin is characteristic. (Photos by E.
Shallenberger, courtesy of Sea Life Park,
Hawaii.)

Figure 154.—Side and belly views of a pygmy
killer whale from South Africa. Note the slight
white coloration of the lips, the white region
on the ventral surface (extending up onto the
sides just below the dorsal fin), and the falcate
sharply pointed dorsal fin. Note also the
flippers, which lack the hump on the forward
margin characteristic of false killer whales.
(Photos courtesy of P. B. Best.)

Figure 155.—Pygmy killer whales have
from 8 to 11 teeth in each side of the
upper jaw and from 11 to 13 in each side
of the lower jaw. Many specimens
reportedly have one fewer on the right
than on the left side. The teeth are
smaller than those of the false killer
whale and far less numerous than those
of the more closely sized many-toothed
blackfish. Note also the white lips.
(Photo courtesy of P. B. Best)

MANY-TOOTHED BLACKFISH (T)
Peponocephala electra (Gray 1846)

Other Common Names

Hawaiian blackfish, melon-headed whale.

Description

Many-toothed blackfish reach lengths of at least 9 feet (2.7 m) and are
similar in body shape to the larger false killer whale and the similar-sized

pygmy killer whale. The body is elongated and slim with a rather slim tail
stock. In general, the head is shaped like that of the false killer whale but
has a sharper appearance to the snout, sometimes described as a parrot-
beak. The forehead is rounded, slightly overhanging the lower jaw, and has
no beak. The dorsal fin is up to 10 inches (25.4 cm). It is probably very
distinctive as the animals surface to breathe. Many-toothed blackfish are
black on the back and slightly lighter on the belly. The areas around the
anus and genitals and the lips are unpigmented. Many-toothed blackfish are
presumably rare.

May Be Confused With

Many-toothed blackfish may be confused with either the false killer whale
or the pygmy killer whale. They are considerably smaller than the false
killer whale, have a slightly more pointed snout, and lack the prominent
humplike forward margin on the flippers which is characteristic of the false
killer whale.
They are approximately the same size as pygmy killer whales, but the white
area around the genitals which extends up onto the side in pygmy killer
whales may be lacking in many-toothed blackfish. This species has pointed
flippers, while those of pygmy killer whales are rounded on the tips. Many-
toothed blackfish also have a slightly more pointed snout. Otherwise, the
two species are virtually indistinguishable in encounters at sea.

Distribution

Although many-toothed blackfish have not yet been reported in the western
North Atlantic, they are included in this guide because of a record from the
eastern tropical North Atlantic and the known tropical distribution in other
areas.

Stranded Specimens

Stranded many-toothed blackfish can be distinguished from false killer and
pygmy killer whales by the number of teeth alone. Many-toothed blackfish
have more than 15 per side per jaw (usually 21-25); both other species have
less than 15.

Figure 156.—A live many-toothed blackfish in
a holding pen in the Philippines. At sea these
animals will be virtually impossible to
distinguish from pygmy killer whales. (Photos
by T. Hammond.)

Figure 157.—A many-toothed blackfish
stranded in Hawaii. This species is smaller
than the false killer whale and can be
positively identified by the number of teeth,

larger than any other blackfish. Many-toothed
blackfish have from 21 to 25 teeth per side in
both the upper and lower jaws. Other
blackfish species have fewer than 15;
otherwise, with the exception of differences in
flipper shape (those of this species are pointed
while those of pygmy killer whales are
rounded on the tip), coloration and body shape
of the two species are similar. (Photo courtesy
of T. Dohl.)

PYGMY SPERM WHALE (T)
Kogia breviceps (Blainville 1838)

Other Common Names

None known.

Description

Pygmy sperm whales reach a length of at least 11 feet (3.4 m). They are
characterized by 1) an extremely robust body that rapidly tapers near the
tail, 2) a squarish head, and 3) a narrow, underslung lower jaw which is
located well behind the tip of the snout. Along the side of the head, in
approximately the same position where gill slits would be located on a fish
of comparable size, there is a crescent-shaped bracket mark, often called a
false gill.
The flippers, which are smoothly curved on the forward margin and may
reach a length of 18 inches (45.7 cm) or more on an adult specimen, are
located well forward on the body, just below and behind the bracket mark.
The dorsal fin is very small, falcate, and located in the latter half of the
back.

Though coloration can be described only from stranded specimens and a
few encounters with living animals, pygmy sperm whales appear to be dark
steel gray on the back, shading to a lighter gray on the sides, and gradually
fading to a dull white on the belly. The outer surface of the flippers and the
upper surface of the tail flukes are also steel gray.

Natural History Notes

From the few accounts, the following may be summarized about the
behavior of pygmy sperm whales at sea: They reportedly usually rise slowly
to the surface to breathe, produce a blow that is inconspicuous, and do not
normally roll aggressively at the surface like most other species of small
whales. They reportedly fold their flippers flat against their bodies when
swimming. They have been reported to lie motionless in the water with the
back of the head on the surface and the tail hanging loosely down in the
water. (A similar behavior in sperm whales has made them a minor hazard
to shipping, since it has resulted in some collisions with ships.) When they
are startled in this posture, they may defecate, issuing a cloud of reddish
brown to rust-colored fece. Beached pygmy sperm whales have also been
observed to defecate a fine chocolate feces.
Pygmy sperm whales apparently feed primarily on squid, but do take fish as
well.

May Be Confused With

In general, when they can be examined at close range, pygmy sperm whales
are so distinctive that they are unlikely to be confused with any other
species except perhaps the dwarf sperm whales. At a distance, they might
be confused with small individuals of any of the beaked-whale species (p.
78) that also have a relatively small, falcate dorsal fin located in the latter
third of the back. Closer examination should permit easy separation,
however, since the pygmy sperm whale has a blunted head, while the
beaked whales, as the name implies, have elongated "dolphinlike" beaks
and are considerably larger. At sea, pygmy sperm whales are most likely to
be confused with their cousins the dwarf sperm whales (p. 148 and Fig.
160). The two species can be distinguished as follows:

Pygmy Sperm Whale Dwarf Sperm Whale
MAXIMUM SIZE
To 11 feet (3.4 m). To 9 feet (2.7 m).
DORSAL FIN
Small to 8 inches (20.3 Taller, more like that of
cm), falcate; located in bottlenosed dolphins;
latter third of back. located near the
midpoint of the back.
COLORATION
Both species are dark steel gray on the back, grading to
lighter on the belly.

Distribution

Because they have been rarely observed at sea, normal ranges for this
species are not known. Based on stranding records, however, the following
can be stated. In the western North Atlantic, pygmy sperm whales have
been found as far north as Sable Island, Halifax, Nova Scotia, as far south
as Cuba, and as far west as Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. They are
frequently found stranded along the Atlantic coast of Florida and
throughout the eastern and northern Gulf of Mexico.

Stranded Specimens

Because of the distinctive characters of the genus, stranded pygmy and
dwarf sperm whales are unlikely to be confused with any other species of
cetacean, though the rather narrow underslung jaw and the blunted head
may result in their casual dismissal by some beach walkers as stranded
sharks. The two species of Kogia may be distinguished by the following:

Pygmy Sperm Whale Dwarf Sperm Whale
TEETH

12-16 (rarely 10-11) in 8-11 (rarely 13) small
lower jaw are larger; no and extremely sharp
teeth in upper. teeth in lower jaw;
sometimes have up to 3
teeth in each upper jaw.
THROAT
No creases or grooves Several short irregular
on throat. creases or grooves on
throat.

Figure 158.—In this rare
photograph of a pygmy sperm
whale at sea in the Pacific, the
animal was startled by the
approaching vessel, circled
quickly, and then dived out of
sight. The trail of material visible
in the water in front of and to the
right of the animal is feces, reddish
brown to rust in color. Startled
whales and porpoises often
defecate in this manner. (Photo by
S. Ohsumi.)

Figure 159.—A young pygmy sperm whale
swimming in a tank at the New York
Aquarium. Note the shape and position of the
dorsal fin and the shape of the head. (Photo by
H. E. Winn.)

Figure 160.—On the beach the two species of
Kogia can be readily distinguished. The pygmy
sperm whale, K. breviceps, (top) reaches a
length of about 11 feet (3.4 m); its dorsal fin is
a small nubbin located in the latter half of the
back. The dwarf sperm whale, K. simus,
(bottom) reaches only about 9 feet (2.7 m); its
dorsal fin, much taller and more "dolphinlike"
in appearance, is located near the middle of
the back. Coloration of fresh specimens is
probably similar for both species—the
lightened areas in the lower photograph are
the result of decomposition. (Photos from
Jekyll Island, Ga. [top] and Atlantic Beach, Fla.
[bottom] by D. K. Caldwell.)

Figure 161.—Ventral view of a female pygmy
sperm whale from Jekyll Island, Ga. Note the
position and shape of the flippers and mouth,
and the abrupt tapering of the body at the tail
stock. (Photo by D. K. Caldwell.)

Figure 162.—Head of a pygmy
sperm whale from northeastern
Florida showing gill-like, lightly
pigmented "bracket marks."
(Photo by F. G. Wood.)

Figure 163.—A detailed view of
the mouth of a pygmy sperm
whale from the east coast of
Florida. In both species of Kogia
these long, curved, needle-sharp
teeth, found in only the lower
jaw, lock into sockets in the
upper jaw. Pygmy sperm whales
have from 12 to 16 (rarely 10 or
11) pairs of teeth; dwarf sperm
whales have from 8 to 11 (rarely
13) pairs. (Photo by D. K.
Caldwell.)

DWARF SPERM WHALE (T)
Kogia simus (Owen 1866)

Other Common Names

Rat porpoise (West Indies).

Description

Dwarf sperm whales reach an overall length of approximately 9 feet (2.7
m). Like the other species of Kogia, the pygmy sperm whale (p. 144), the
dwarf sperm whales are characterized by 1) a squarish head, 2) an
extremely robust body which tapers rapidly near the tail stock, 3) a narrow,
underslung lower jaw, and 4) a bracket mark or false gill on the side of the
head.
The dorsal fin of this species is tall and falcate, closely resembling that of
the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin, and is located near the midpoint of the
back. There are several short, irregular creases or grooves on the throat
similar to those found on the sperm whale (see Figs. 60, 165).

Dwarf sperm whales are dark steel gray on the back, grading to lighter gray
on the sides, and fading to dull white on the belly.

May Be Confused With

Because of their tall, falcate dorsal fin, dwarf sperm whales may be
confused at a distance with any of the small dolphin species. Their all-black
or dark steel-gray coloration and the blunted head increase the likelihood
that they can be confused with pygmy killer whales or many-toothed
blackfish. They will have to be examined at close range before they can be
distinguished.
Dwarf sperm whales may also be confused with pygmy sperm whales (p.
144 and Fig. 160). The two species can be differentiated by the
characteristics tabularized on p. 144.

Distribution

Since it has only recently been recognized as a species distinct from the
pygmy sperm whale and even more recently given a common name, records
of dwarf sperm whales may have been confused with those of its close
relatives. The dwarf sperm whale has been reported from at least Georgia
south to St. Vincent, Lesser Antilles, and throughout the eastern and
northern Gulf of Mexico. It is highly likely that this species, like the pygmy
sperm whale, extends further to the north.

Stranded Specimens

Because of the distinctive characteristics of the genus, neither species of
stranded Kogia is likely to be confused with any other species. They can be
distinguished from one another by the characteristics tabularized on p. 144.

Figure 164.—A dwarf sperm whale stranded
near St. Augustine, Fla., shown swimming in
the tank at Marineland of Florida. In this
species the dorsal fin is taller than that of the
pygmy sperm whale and is located near the
midpoint of the back (see Figs. 159 and 160).
(Photo courtesy of Marineland of Florida.)

Figure 165.—Dwarf sperm whales
have several short creases on the
throat, similar to those found on
the sperm whale (see Fig. 60);
pygmy sperm whales lack these
creases. To compare other features
of the two species, refer back to

Figure 160. (Photo by D. K.
Caldwell.)

Figure 166.—Closeup of the
tail flukes of a dwarf sperm
whale from the Florida east
coast. Note that the dorsal
ridge extends almost to the
notch in the flukes. (Photo
by W. A. Huck, courtesy of
Marineland of Florida.)

HARBOR PORPOISE (T)
Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus 1758)

Other Common Names

Common porpoise, herring hog, puffing pig (Newfoundland and New
England), Pourcils (Quebec), harbour porpoise.

Description

The harbor porpoise is the smallest cetacean species in the western North
Atlantic Ocean, reaching a maximum overall length of about 5 feet (1.5 m).
Its most distinctive identifying features in encounters at sea are 1) the small,
chunky body; 2) the coloration, dark brown or gray on the back, fading to
lighter grayish brown on the sides, often with speckling in the transition
zone, and white on the belly extending farther up on the sides in front of the
dorsal fin; 3) the small rounded head, lacking a distinctive beak; 4) the
small, triangular dorsal fin; and 5) the shallow, inshore northerly
distribution.

Natural History Notes

As the name implies, the harbor porpoise inhabits bays, harbors, river
mouths, and all the relatively shallow inshore water between. Though it
may travel in schools of nearly a hundred individuals, it is more often seen
in pairs or in small groups of from 5 to 10 individuals. It often swims
quietly at the surface. It will not ride the bow wave and is very difficult to
approach closely by boat.

May Be Confused With

The harbor porpoise is not known to associate with dolphins but is
sometimes seen in close proximity to fin whales and humpback whales off
the Canadian coast in spring and summer. Because of its northern inshore
habitat, the harbor porpoise is not likely to be confused with any other
cetacean.

Distribution

Harbor porpoises are restricted to the colder waters of the western North
Atlantic Ocean. They have been reported from North Carolina north to the
Davis Straits and the waters of southwestern Greenland. Within this range

they are probably most common in the Bay of Fundy and off southwest
Greenland.

Stranded Specimens

In addition to the characteristics described above for living animals,
stranded harbor porpoises can be readily identified by the small spade-
shaped teeth, 22-28 per jaw.

Figure 167.—Two views of a harbor porpoise
just offshore from Rio del Mar, Seaside, Calif.
Note the small size (usually less than 5 feet [1.5
m]), the small triangular dorsal fin, the dark
brownish color of the back, and the lighter
color of the sides and belly intruding higher up
in front of the dorsal fin. Harbor porpoises
frequent inshore areas, shallow bays, estuaries
and harbors, and reportedly do not approach

moving vessels nor ride bow waves. (Photos by
J. D. Hall.)

Figure 168.—A harbor porpoise harpooned in
Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick. Harbor
porpoises have from 23 to 28 small, spade-
shaped teeth in each upper jaw and from 22 to
26 in each lower jaw. Note the rounded head,
the absence of a beak, and the triangular
dorsal fin. (Photo by D. E. Gaskin.)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Obviously this guide could not have been produced without the cooperation
of many people. Of over 450 individuals and scientific organizations
contacted in 14 countries, 255 responded to our letters and well over 100
provided photographs for review and selection. We were particularly
pleased that for the majority of the species found in the western North
Atlantic our most difficult problem was narrowing the choices and
ultimately selecting illustrations from the many good materials made
available to us. Although there are far too many contributors to mention all
by name, their prompt and enthusiastic responses to requests for help are
gratefully acknowledged, whether or not their materials were used.
Although photo credits follow each figure, we would particularly like to
cite the generosity of Marineland of Florida, Hideo Omura of the Japanese
Whales Research Institute, J.G. Mead of the U.S. National Museum, K.C.
Balcomb of Moclips Cetological Society, Seiji Ohsumi of the Far Seas
Fisheries Research Laboratory, Jack Lentfer of the Alaskan Department of
Fish and Game, the U.S. Naval Undersea Center (NUC), The University of
Rhode Island, and William F. Perrin of the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS). Photographs by Taruski, McCann, Hain, Wheeler, and
Rigley are in Winn's files. All others are in the files of Leatherwood and
Caldwell. The illustrations for Figures B1 and D1 were prepared by George
Galich of NUC. All other illustrations were prepared by Lois Winn.
The extensive and often tedious job of preparing black and white
photographs of suitable format from the vast array of black and white and
color negatives and prints and from color transparencies was accomplished
at the NUC Photographic Laboratory by the able team of Domingo
Sanchez, Ray Krenik, Jeanne Lucas, and Alan McPhee.
George E. Lingle and John C. Moore assisted with gathering and reviewing
the literature and with cataloging and screening photo materials.
The various drafts of the manuscript were typed by Linda Thomson,
Margaret Alvarez, and Sandra Nolan. Sandra Peterson assisted with

proofreading the later drafts.
In preparing this guide we drew freely from the literature on cetaceans of
this region and supplemented it with our own observations and with
unpublished notes provided by our colleagues. A partial list of materials
used, each a good source of reference material on cetaceans in general or on
cetaceans of the western North Atlantic in particular, is provided in the
following section, "Selected Bibliography."
All of the following colleagues read all or part of the manuscript and made
useful suggestions for its improvement: K.C. Balcomb, W.C. Cummings,
J.G. Mead, Hideo Omura, W.F. Perrin, F.K. Rodgers, Allen N. Saltzman,
D.E. Sergeant, W.A. Watkins, A.A. Wolman, and F.G. Wood.
All of the information and photographs contributed by Lois Winn were
obtained under grants from the Office of Naval Research. Funds and
assistance for the preparation of intermediated drafts and logistics support
for all stages of preparation of this guide were provided by Biological
Systems, Inc., St. Augustine, Fla.
In addition to securing funds for the preparation and publication of this
guide, Paul Sund, Platforms of Opportunity Program, NMFS, Tiburon,
Calif., provided continuing help and criticism.
To these and to all who use this guide to further help knowledge about the
cetaceans of the western North Atlantic, we are grateful.

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
ANDERSEN, H. T. (editor).
1969. The biology of marine mammals. Academic Press, N.Y.,
511 p.
BURT, W. H.
1952. A field guide to the mammals. Houghton Mifflin Co.,
Boston, 200 p.
CALDWELL, D. K., and M. C. CALDWELL.
1973. Marine mammals of the eastern Gulf of Mexico. In J. I.
Jones, R. E. Ring, M. O. Rinkel, and R. E. Smith (editors), A
summary of knowledge of the eastern Gulf of Mexico, p. III-I-1
—III-I-23. State Univ. Syst. Fla. Inst. Oceanogr., St. Petersburg,
Fla.
CALDWELL, D. K., and F. B. GOLLEY.
1965. Marine mammals from the coast of Georgia to Cape
Hatteras. J. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc. 81:24-32.
CALDWELL, D. K., H. NEUHAUSER, M. C. CALDWELL, and H. W.
COOLIDGE.
1971. Recent records of marine mammals from the coasts of
Georgia and South Carolina. Cetology 5:1-12.
FRASER, F. C.
1937. Whales and dolphins. In J. R. Norman and F. C. Fraser,
Giant fishes, whales and dolphins, p. 201-349. Putnam and
Sons, Lond. [There are several editions of this work, all with the
same information.]

1966. Guide for the identification and reporting of stranded
whales, dolphins and porpoises on the British coasts. Br. Mus.
Nat. Hist., Lond., 34 p.
GOLLEY, F. B.
1966. South Carolina mammals. The Charleston Museum,
Charleston, S.C., xiv + 181 p.
GUNTER, G.
1954. Mammals of the Gulf of Mexico. In P. S. Galtsoff
(coordinator), Gulf of Mexico, its origin, waters, and marine
life, p. 543-567. U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., Fish. Bull. Vol. 55.
HALL, E. R., and K. R. KELSON.
1959. Order cetacea—cetaceans. In The mammals of North
America, 2:806-840. Ronald Press, N.Y.
HERSHKOVITZ, P.
1966. Catalog of living whales. Bull. U.S. Natl. Mus. 246, 259
p.
KELLOGG, R.
1940. Whales, giants of the sea. Natl. Geogr. Mag. 77:35-90.
LAYNE, J. N.
1965. Observations on marine mammals in Florida waters. Bull.
Fla. State Mus., Biol. Sci. 9:131-181.
LEATHERWOOD, S., W. E. EVANS, and D. W. RICE.
1972. The whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the eastern north
Pacific. A guide to their identification in the water. Nav.
Underseas Cent., Tech. Publ. 282, 175 p.
LOWERY, G. H., JR.

1974. The mammals of Louisiana and its adjacent waters.
Louisiana State Univ. Press, Baton Rouge, 565 p.
MITCHELL, E. D.
1973. The status of the world's whales. Nat. Can. 2(4):9-25.
MOORE, J. C.
1953. Distribution of marine mammals to Florida waters. Am.
Midl. Nat. 49:117-158.
NORRIS, K. S. (editor).
1966. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Univ. California Press,
Berkeley, 789 p.
PALMER, R. S.
1954. The mammal guide. Doubleday and Co., N.Y., 384 p.
RICE, D. W.
1967. Cetaceans. In S. Anderson and J. K. Jones (editors),
Recent mammals of the world; a synopsis of families, p. 291-
324. The Ronald Press, N.Y.
RICE, D. W., and V. B. SCHEFFER.
1968. A list of the marine mammals of the world. U.S. Fish
Wildl. Serv., Spec. Sci. Rep. Fish. 579, 16 p.
RIDGEWAY, S. H. (editor).
1972. Mammals of the sea; biology and medicine. Charles C.
Thomas, Springfield, Ill., xiii + 812 p.
SCHEVILL, W. E.
1974. The whale problem. Harvard Univ. Press, Cambridge,
Mass., 297 p.
SERGEANT, D. E., and H. D. FISHER.

1957. The smaller Cetacea of eastern Canadian waters. J. Fish.
Res. Board Can. 14:83-115.
SERGEANT, D. E., A. W. MANSFIELD, and B. BECK.
1970. Inshore records of Cetacea of eastern Canada, 1949-68. J.
Fish. Res. Board Can. 27:1903-1915.
SLIJPER, E. J.
1962. Whales. Hutchinson and Co., Ltd., Lond., 475 p. [There is
also an American edition.]
TOMILIN, A. G.
1967. Cetacea. Mammals of the U.S.S.R. and adjacent countries.
Isr. Program Sci. Transl., Jerusalem, Vol. IX, 717 p. [A
compilation of worldwide data, originally published in Russian.]
TOWNSEND, C. H.
1935. The distribution of certain whales as shown by logbook
records of American whaleships. Zoologica (N.Y.) 19:1-50.
TRUE, F. W.
1889. Contributions to the natural history of the cetaceans, a
review of the family Delphinidae. Bull. U.S. Natl. Mus. 36:1-
192.
WALKER, E. P.
1964. Mammals of the world. The Johns Hopkins Press,
Baltimore, p. 1083-1145. [Cetaceans. There is also a second,
revised edition of this work, and a third, revised edition is
planned.]

APPENDIX A
TAGS ON WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND
PORPOISES
Field studies of cetaceans are very difficult. First, it is extremely hard to be
positive that an individual or a group of animals is the same from one
encounter to the next. This means that it is nearly impossible to determine,
for example, whether herds of animals are resident in an area or only
seasonal visitors. Without information of this kind, determinations vital to
population management, such as sizes of populations and natural ranges,
are impossible to make.
Secondly, as we frequently point out in this guide, individual cetaceans are
usually visible to a surface observer only during the brief moments when
they break the air-water interface to breathe. The majority of their vital
activities (e.g., feeding, reproduction, communication, establishing and
maintaining position within the herd, and defending against natural
enemies) take place primarily below the surface, well out of view to a
surface observer.
In recent years, in an attempt to overcome some of these problems,
scientists have been placing markers on various species of cetaceans and
monitoring their movements. The following brief summary of major
methods of tagging cetaceans is provided to acquaint the reader with
markers he may expect to see in the western North Atlantic.

Static Tags

Since their development in the mid-1920's, numerous Discovery marks
(small stainless steel projectiles with identifying information stamped on
them) have been shot into commercially valuable species by means of a
shotgun. The recovery of these marks from whales subsequently killed in
the whaling industry has provided valuable information on the movement
patterns and on basic aspects of the growth and development of harvested

species of whales. Discovery marks are limited, however, because they are
not visible in a living animal. Reduction in whaling activities will bring
about a significant reduction in their use.
More recent tagging developments relate to marks which will be visible on
a free-swimming animal. Large whales, for instance, may be tagged with
color-coded streamers, such as that shown in Appendix Figure A2. The tags,
which are modified versions of the spaghetti tags first constructed for use
on fishes, consist of a small stainless steel head for attachment to the
blubber and a colorful streamer (sometimes stamped with information on
agencies to which tags should be returned) which is visible above the
surface of the animal. These tags may be applied by using either a pole
applicator or a crossbow and crossbow bolts. Both applicators are equipped
with a stop to limit the depth of penetration into the animal's blubber.
Extensive experimentation indicates that the tags do not harm the animals
and that their application is not traumatic. With the continued reduction in
whaling activity, it is hoped that the use of such markers in the study of
movements of big whales will be increased.
Because they often ride the bow wave of a moving vessel, thereby making
themselves accessible for tagging and capture, small porpoises and dolphins
have been tagged with a greater variety of marks than large whales. In
recent years, at least three kinds of static tags, including spaghetti
streamers, have been placed on small and medium-sized cetaceans.
Spaghetti tags, placed in the animal's blubber near the base of the dorsal fin
as it rides the bow wave, stream to conform to the contour of the animal's
body as it swims (App. Fig. A3). It is not possible to identify the numbers
on the spaghetti tag of a moving animal, although color codes may be used
to indicate different species, populations, or tagging areas.
Button tags and freeze brands are placed on captured animals prior to their
release. The button tags (App. Figs. A4, A5) are placed in the dorsal fin and
should be visible as the animal surfaces to breathe or as it rides the bow
wave. At close range, the number, letter, or design may also be visible.
Freeze brands (App. Fig. A6) are placed on the back or dorsal fin with a
supercooled branding iron, apparently without pain or discomfort to the
animal, and provide a permanent mark which leaves the tagged animal free

of encumbrances. The use of freeze brands shows promise and should come
into more extensive use.
Other static tagging techniques currently under investigation include the use
of laser beams to apply small brands and the use of gas branding devices.
Neither technique, however, has yet reached the field biologist.
The success of any tagging program using static tags depends on the
resighting of tagged animals and the recovery of tags. For that reason, we
appeal to readers to be on the lookout for tagged animals and to report
sightings to one of the authors.

Appendix Figure A1.—Some of the
basic kinds of tags used to mark
porpoises, dolphins, and small whales.
A, B, and C are nylon button tags,
which are placed in the dorsal fin of
animals and may be clearly visible as
the animal surfaces to breathe. D is a
vinyl spaghetti tag. (Photo by R.
Krenic, courtesy of Naval Undersea
Center.)

Appendix Figure A2.—A spaghetti
tag in the back of a blue whale off
San Clemente Island, Calif. (Photo
by S. Leatherwood.)

Appendix Figure A3.—A spaghetti tag in the
flank of a bottlenosed dolphin off Loreto, Baja
California, Mexico. This particular tag was
placed unusually low. The streamer and
spaghetti tags are usually placed high on the
back, just in front of the dorsal fin, and are
clearly visible as the animal surfaces to
breathe. (Photo by W. E. Evans.)

Appendix Figure A4.—A button tag placed on
the dorsal fin of a newly captured saddleback
dolphin off Catalina Island, Calif. (Photo by W.
E. Evans.)

Appendix Figure A5.—This is the
way the button tag appears on an
animal swimming free in the open sea

off Palos Verdes, Calif. (Photo by B.
Noble, courtesy of Marineland of the
Pacific.)

Appendix Figure A6.—Freeze-
branding is an apparently painless
method of applying a permanent
identifying mark to the body of a
porpoise or whale. (Photo of a
bottlenosed dolphin off Sarasota,
Fla., by A. B. Irvine.)

Radio Transmitter Tags

In recent years, radio transmitter tags have been developed for use on
marine mammals. As they continue to become more reliable, these tags are
expected to come into more and more widespread use.
Early radio tags (Fig. A7) were simple locator beacons which permitted the
animal to be tracked by sending a signal to a tracking vessel or aircraft

every time the animal surfaced and the antenna tip was exposed. Even these
basic packages provide important information on movement, activity
patterns, and respiration rates.
Subsequent developments have involved the addition of sensors to monitor
the maximum depth of each dive and environmental parameters such as the
water temperature at that depth (Fig. A8).
Logical extensions of these developments include the addition of numerous
other sensors to permit simultaneous monitoring of multiple aspects of the
animal's environment and the transmission of these data first to aircraft and
subsequently to satellites for relay to shore-based laboratories.
In addition to permitting scientists to define movement patterns and daily
diving patterns of cetaceans, the use of such devices offers an exciting
means of determining the environmental parameters that trigger changes in
their behavior.
Radio transmitter tags, in a variety of configurations, may be constructed
and attached for short-term studies or for long-term monitoring of migrating
animals. In either case, depending on their size and methods of attachment,
radio transmitter tags may be visible on a free-swimming animal even at a
considerable distance.

Appendix Figure A7.—A
saddleback dolphin wearing a

radio tag transmitter surfaces to
breathe off southern California.
(Photo courtesy of W. E. Evans.)

Appendix Figure A8.—A radio transmitter
package attached to the dorsal ridge of a
California gray whale. This yearling animal,
captive for most of the first year of its life, was
released into the ocean off San Diego, Calif., in
March 1972 and subsequently tracked from
shipboard and aircraft for over 30 days. The
sensor transmitter package, shown in detail in
the inset, was designed to measure the
maximum depth of the animal's dive and the
water temperature at that depth. (Photo by S.
Leatherwood.)

Natural Markings

In addition to these man-made and applied tags, variations in natural
markings and unusual appearances may be used to identify individuals and
herds on repeated encounters. Although many species of cetaceans are
characterized by changes in color pattern with age, individuals occasionally
differ radically in their coloration from their fellows (App. Figs. A9, A10).
In addition, individuals are sometimes seen with unusually shaped dorsal
fins or scarring patterns (App. Fig. A11). These unusually marked animals
should stand out in repeated encounters and can be a help in identifying a
herd from one encounter to another.
Obviously, this list of tags and anomalous markings is not exhaustive. New
marks may be developed at any time. The discussion is intended to make
the reader aware of the value of information on natural or man-made marks
in studies of cetacean natural history. Your cooperation will perhaps help us
to unravel some of the mystery surrounding the distribution and movements
of porpoises, dolphins, and whales.

Appendix Figure A9.—A piebald saddleback
dolphin on the bow of a research vessel off San
Clemente Island, Calif. (Photo by B. C. Parks.)

Appendix Figure A10.—A nearly all-
white pilot whale seen off Catalina
Island, Calif., in April 1971. The
observation of this same animal at least
once each quarter of the year is evidence
that it is resident in that area. (Photo by
S. Leatherwood.)

Appendix Figure A11.—A herd of pilot whales
off Catalina Island, Calif., including an animal
with a partially chopped-off dorsal fin, which
has made him recognizable in repeated
encounters with pilot whales around the

various channel islands. (Photo by G. E.
Lingle.)

APPENDIX B
RECORDING AND REPORTING
OBSERVATIONS OF CETACEANS AT SEA
To increase reliability of identifications, observers should train themselves
to ask the following kinds of questions each time cetaceans are
encountered:

1. How large was the animal?
2. Did it have a dorsal fin? If so, what was its size, shape, and position on
the animal's back?
3. Was the animal's blow visible? If so, how tall did it appear? What was
its shape? How frequently did the animal blow?
4. What was the animal's color and color pattern?
5. Did it have any highly distinctive markings?
6. If it was a large or medium-sized animal, did it show its tail flukes when
it began its dive?
7. If it was a medium-sized or small animal, did it approach, avoid, or
ignore the vessel? Did it ride the bow wave?
8. What was its behavior? Did it jump from the water? If so, did it make a
smooth graceful arching jump, or did it spin, somersault, or reenter
with a splash?

One characteristic is rarely sufficient by itself, and the greater amount of
relevant evidence the observer can obtain, the greater the likelihood he can
make a reliable identification. But it is important to remember that even the
most experienced cetologists are often unable to make an identification.
Therefore, even if you cannot positively identify an animal or even make a
good guess as to its identity, do not hesitate to fill out the rest of the sighting
record form and submit it to an appropriate office. Listing the characters
you observe and filling in as much of the form as possible may enable a
cetologist to make an identification based on those characters and his
knowledge of the distribution, movements, and behavior of cetaceans. In
this regard, a sketch made as soon as possible after the encounter and

photographs taken from as many angles as possible will aid in the
identification.
Two sample sighting reports are provided to demonstrate a method of
recording observations. The first report, "Sighting Information," is
completed as an example and is footnoted for explanation. The second
report, "Cetacean Data Record." located at the end of the guide, is blank and
may be photocopied in bulk for use in the field. Copies of this or similar
forms are available from any of the authors or from National Marine
Fisheries Service, Tiburon, Calif. Even if no form is available, however,
observations should be recorded in rough form, in as much detail as
possible.
Reliable intermittent reports of cetaceans are of interest to cetologists. Their
locations indicate seasonality of distribution, and their frequencies help
indicate relative abundances of the various species. Because scientists are
attempting to determine areas in which cetaceans are often, occasionally,
seldom, or never found, and are ultimately describing why animals are
found in one area and not another, persons who want to go a step further in
their participation in observer programs may want to keep and report
records of their entire cruise tracks and zones in which vigilance was
maintained but no cetaceans were observed. Data obtained in this manner
may be used as the foundation of estimates of cetacean populations,
estimates which are extremely difficult to obtain by any other method.
To be of maximum use in such calculations, however, records of this kind
must include the following minimum information: time and location of
beginning and ending of each continuous watch, weather conditions as they
affect visibility, sea state, ship's speed, height of the observer(s) above the
water, number of persons on watch, and details of each sighting,
particularly the estimated distance of the animal(s) from the ship's track.
For a sample of a fictional continuous watch report might look like the
following. If sighting forms are available, these observations may be
recorded directly onto them. Additional information can be recorded on the
opposite side of the forms.

Appendix Figure B1.—A sample cruise track
with cetacean sightings. See text for detailed
data recording.

GENERAL INFORMATION

RV Melville (34-foot converted fishing boat)
U.S. Department of Commerce
NMFS
Hydrographic Cruise Miami, Florida to Flamingo, Florida
28-31 January 1973
2 observers (G.E. Lingle and G.M. Mohr)
Eye level of observers: 16 feet above water
Average ship speed: 8.0 knots during continuous watch
Continuous watch information (refer to Fig. B1):

Start End Start End Weather—
Leg Date
time time position position Visibility

1-2 2/28 1200 1730 U. Miami 25-42N Beaufort II
Dock 80-02W Visibility
Va. Key 3 miles
3-4 2/29 0800 1500 24-26N 25-00N Beaufort I
80-04E 81-04W Visibility
3.5 miles
5-6 2/30 0700 1680 25-12N 25-12N 3.5 miles
80-46W 81-10W
7-8 2/31 0700 0900 25-00 Flamingo 3.5 miles
80-45W

Cetacean observations (refer to Fig. B1):

A‑2/28 1048 16 bottlenosed dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. 6 miles
outside our course, headed west—rode bow briefly.
Large concentrations of sea birds in area. One porpoise
freeze branded N-1 on dorsal fin.
B‑2/29 1100 2 right whales directly ahead of vessel headed NE—40-
foot female? with calf. 2 bottlenosed dolphins
accompanying the whales were riding pressure wave off
whale's head.
C‑2/29 1400 25-30 spotted porpoises, Stenella plagiodon, 1.25 miles
outside our course, heading 240° mag. Did not ride bow
wave.
D‑2/30 1300 8 bottlenosed dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, 200-300 yards
inshore of our course, milling in area of concentrations
of mullet and other small schooling fishes, dolphins
(porpoises) and birds feeding on fish.

SIGHTING INFORMATION

DATE AND LOCAL TIME [Handwriting: LOCATION[13] [Handwriting:
27 January 1977 0845] Ca. 25°00'N, 80°30'W]

WEATHER CONDITIONS [Handwriting: Scattered rain squalls, visibility
1-1.5 mi, Temp 42°F]
OCEANOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS[14] [Handwriting: Swells 1-2 feet,
scattered white caps Winds from S.E. @ 3-8 knots, gusting in squalls to
15 knots.]
SPECIES[15] [Handwriting: Right Whales, NUMBER OF ANIMAL(S)
Eubalaena glacialis (45 ft/15 ft)] [Handwriting: 2]
HEADING OF ANIMAL(S) SPEED OF ANIMAL(S)
[Handwriting: 015°] [Handwriting: 1-2]
(MAGNETIC) (KNOTS)
ASSOCIATED ORGANISMS[16] [Handwriting: Bottlenosed dolphins,
Tursiops truncatus (3) and unidentified gulls (10-20)]
TAGS OR UNUSUAL MARKINGS [Handwriting: One whale had deep
slash across back about 3 ft. behind blowholes-area of slash was white.]
CHARACTERISTICS OBSERVED WHICH RESULTED IN SPECIES
IDENTIFICATION [Handwriting: 45 ft, No dorsal fin, smooth black
back, high arching jaws, yellowish-orange growths on head, coastal
habitat]
BEHAVIOR OF ANIMAL(S) [Handwriting: Adult whale swam steadily
north, calf close beside, Bottlenosed dolphins riding in front of adults
head.]
SKETCHES [Hand-drawn illustration of whales, dolphins and
distinguishing features.]
PHOTOS AVAILABLE YES
[tick] NO
[Handwriting: Photos (GEL,
Roll 16, frames 8-30)]
ADDITIONAL REMARKS [Handwriting: Dolphins remained with whales
entire 1/2 hour of observation, appently riding on pressure wave.]
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OBSERVER (SHIP OR A/C) [Handwriting:
G. E. Lingle, Naval Undersea Center, San Diego, California 92132 and G.
A. Antonelis, NMFS, Seattle, Washington 98105 aboard the RV Cape]

[13] If latitude and longitude are not readily available, record best available
position, for example 5 hours at 10 knots, SE of Miami.
[14] Any oceanographic or bathymetric information obtainable at the time of
sighting may be significant. Such measurements as water depth, presence of
large fish schools, or deep scattering layer/organisms (DSL) characteristics of the
bottom (e.g., flat sand plain, sea mount, submarine cliff), surface temperature,
depth of thermocline, and salinity should be included if available. In the Pacific,
similar data have been used to demonstrate reliable associations there between
saddleback dolphins and significant features of bottom relief and relationships
between the onset of their nighttime deep diving (feeding) patterns and the
upward migration of the scattering layers.
[15] Sometimes two or more species of cetacean are found together. If more than
one species is sighted, try to identify each. Give both common and scientific
names of each, and even if you cannot identify the animal(s) describe, sketch,
and, if possible, photograph them and fill out the rest of the sighting report.
[16] Describe any tags seen (see Appendix A) and state their size, shape, color,
and position on the animal's body and any symbols or numbers they contain.

APPENDIX C
STRANDED WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND
PORPOISES
With a Key to the Identification of Stranded
Cetaceans of the Western North Atlantic
Stranded Animals

As we discussed briefly in the introduction to this guide, whales, dolphins,
and porpoises sometimes "strand" or "beach" themselves, individually or in
entire herds, for a complex of still incompletely understood reasons.
Though the reasons suggested for these strandings appear almost as
numerous as the strandings themselves, two tenable generalizations have
recently been proposed.
Strandings of lone individuals usually involve an animal which is sick or
injured. Mass strandings, involving from several to several hundred
individuals, appear to be far more complex and may result from fear
reactions, from extremely bad weather conditions, from herd-wide disease
conditions, or from failure of the echolocation system due to physiological
problems or environmental conditions which combine to reduce its
effectiveness, to mention only a few.
Whatever their causes, however, cetacean strandings usually attract crowds
and elicit much public interest and sympathy. There are frequently attempts
to save the lives of the animals involved.
Individually stranded cetaceans rarely survive, even if they are found soon
after stranding and transported to adequate holding facilities. This does not
mean that every attempt should not be made to save them.
In mass strandings, some individuals may be entirely healthy, and if they
are found soon enough after stranding, properly protected and transported,
and correctly cared for in the initial few days after collection, they may

survive in captivity. Attempts to rescue all the animals in a mass stranding
by towing them out to sea have almost always been frustrating because the
animals usually swim repeatedly back onto the beach.
If you discover a stranding and before you become involved in an attempt
to save a live stranded animal or to collect data from a dead one, you should
be aware of the following:
Marine mammals are currently protected by law. Under provisions of
the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, it is unlawful for persons
without a permit to handle, harass, or possess any marine mammal. It is
within the authority of State officials and employees of the National Marine
Fisheries Service to arrange for the care of live animals through certified
institutions, such as many of those listed in Appendix E. (Even if the
animals were not protected by law, any impulse to take them to backyard
swimming pools, for instance, should be tempered by the knowledge that
their chances of survival are far greater in an institution with the facilities
and expertise to properly care for them.) The best general rule is to notify
the nearest State or National Marine Fisheries Service office. If you prefer,
however, you may contact one of the institutions listed in the appendix and
ask them to handle the situation. Some will already have permits to
investigate strandings. Most will be anxious to help.
Although you cannot remove the animal from the beach without a permit,
you can help keep it alive until it can be removed. Here are a few hints.
While waiting for help to arrive, endeavor to keep the animal as
comfortable as possible. If it is not too large and surf conditions permit,
it should be removed to shallow water where it is barely afloat. The
buoyancy of the water will reduce the stress to the animal and will help to
keep it cool and prevent overheating—a real danger to stranded cetaceans.
Whether or not the animal can be floated, care should be taken to protect
it from sunburn, drying out, and overheating. If it is afloat, exposed
parts should be frequently splashed down. If it is high and dry, it
should be covered with damp cloth, particularly on the dorsal fin,
flippers, and flukes, and the body and the terrain should be frequently
watered to prevent the animal from overheating in the areas in contact
with the sand or rock.

In any case, be careful to leave the blowhole free so that the animal can
breathe. Note also that the eyes are particularly sensitive and
susceptible to injury; they should be covered with a wet cloth and
treated with special care.
With luck, this careful handling will be rewarded with the animal's being
picked up and transported to an aquarium, where it can receive proper
attention. But even if the animal cannot be saved, collection and
examination of the carcass can provide valuable information to
scientists working on the biology of cetaceans, or on such problems as
their disease conditions and the effects of environmental pollutants on
them. Dead stranded cetaceans even in advanced stages of
decomposition are also an important source of materials for museum
study and display. Therefore, every attempt should be made to get the
carcass into the best hands. Dead cetaceans, like the live ones, are
protected by law and may not be removed without a permit. The
procedure for obtaining permission to collect them is the same as that
outlined for live strandings. The majority of the institutions along the
western North Atlantic coast will respond to calls about live or dead
strandings. Even if you are unable to contact an appropriate official, you
can still collect some valuable information by identifying the specimen,
using the following key, and by collecting measurements (see Appendix D).

Appendix Figure C1.—Whales and dolphins,
like this mixed school of false killer whales and
bottlenosed dolphins, sometimes strand

themselves individually or as entire herds for a
complex of still incompletely understood
reasons. (Photo from Japan by S. Ohsumi.)

Identifying the Animal

Cetaceans may be found during or shortly after the stranding or many
months later, when the carcass is bloated or rotted nearly beyond
recognition. If the stranded animal is alive or freshly dead, it can be
identified by any of the characteristics itemized in the text. But even if it is
in an advanced stage of decomposition it can be identified using the key
below. In general numbers and descriptions of teeth (Table 1) and numbers
and descriptions of baleen plates (Table 2) persist longest as reliable
identifying characteristics. If they are still detectable on the carcass,
numbers and lengths of ventral grooves may also be used to separate the
balaenopterine whales.[17]
[17] The tables were prepared primarily from Tomilin (1967) and supplemented
by miscellaneous published papers and our own observations. The sections on
toothed whales in the key were developed following the general outline of
Moore (1953).

In order to use the key below, begin with the first pair of opposing
characteristics—one of the two will apply to the specimen you are
examining. On the line following that statement there will be a paragraph
number, go to that paragraph. There you will find two more paired,
opposing characteristics. Again, one of the two will apply to the specimen
you are examining. Select that one and go to the paragraph indicated on the
line following it. Continue this procedure until the statement which is true
for your specimen is followed by a species name instead of a reference to
another paragraph. This name identifies the specimen. To verify your
identification go to the discussion of that species in the text. With a little
practice and careful attention to details, identification of whales, dolphins,
and porpoises will become easier.

KEY TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF STRANDED
CETACEANS OF THE WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC

1. a. Double blowhole; no teeth present in either jaw;
baleen plates in upper jaws.
(Baleen whale) Go to 2
b. Single blowhole; teeth present (sometimes concealed
beneath the gums); no baleen plates in upper jaw.
(Toothed whale) Go to 9
2. a. Ventral grooves present; dorsal fin present; viewed in
profile, upper jaw relatively flat and broad.
(Balaenopterine whale) Go to 3
b. Ventral grooves absent; dorsal fin absent; viewed in
profile, upper jaw and lower lips strongly arched;
upper jaw very narrow.
(Right whale) Go to 8
3. a. Ventral grooves end before navel.[18]
Go to 4
b. Ventral grooves extend to or beyond navel
Go to 5
4. a. 50-70 ventral grooves, longest often ending between
flippers; baleen less than 8 inches (20.3 cm), mostly
white or yellowish white (some posterior plates may
be dark) with 15-25 white bristles per centimeter;
300-325 plates per side.
Minke whale, p. 63
b. 38-56 ventral grooves, longest ending well short of
navel; baleen less than 31 inches (78.7 cm), black
(some anteriormost plates may be white) and with
35-60 fine silky white bristles per centimeter; 318-
340 plates per side.
Sei whale, p. 32
5. a. Flippers one-fourth to one-third length of the body
length and knobbed on leading edge; less than 22
broad and conspicuous ventral grooves, longest

extending at least to navel; head covered with
numerous knobs; baleen less than 24 inches (61
cm), ash black to olive brown (sometimes whitish)
with 10-35 grayish white bristles per centimeter;
270-400 plates per side.
Humpback whale, p. 40
b. Flippers less than one-fifth body length; no knobs;
from 40 to 100 fine ventral grooves, longest
extending at least to navel; head lacks knobs
Go to 6
6. a. Three ridges on head, one from blowholes, forward
towards tip of snout, one auxiliary groove along
each side of main ridge; 40-50 ventral grooves; 250-
300 slate-gray baleen plates with 15-35 dirty gray
bristles per centimeter.
Bryde's whale, p. 37
b. Only one prominent ridge on head,[19] from just in
front of blowholes forward towards tip of snout; 55-
100 ventral grooves
Go to 7
7. a. Head broad and U-shaped; dorsal fin less than 13
inches (33 cm) and very far back on tail stock;
baleen all black with 10-30 black bristles per
centimeter; plates extremely broad relative to
length.
Blue whale, p. 19
b. Head broad at gape but sharply pointed on tip; dorsal
fin to 24 inches (61 cm) and slightly more than one-
third forward from tail; right front one-fifth to one-
third of baleen ivory white to yellowish white,
remainder dark gray to bluish gray streaked with
yellowish white; plates have 10-35 gray or white
bristles per centimeter and are narrow relative to
length.
Fin whale, p. 26

8. a. Top of snout not covered with callosities; 325-360
baleen plates per side, longest reaching 14 feet (4.3
m); plates black with black bristles (anterior portion
of some plates may be whitish).
Bowhead whale, p. 49
b. Top of snout covered with callosities, often including
lice and/or barnacles; 250-390 baleen plates per
side, longest reaching 7.2 feet (2.2 m); plates dirty
or yellowish gray (some anterior plates all or part
white and some posterior plates brown or black)
with 35-70 bristles per centimeter.
Right whale, p. 52
9. a. Upper part of head extending appreciably past tip of
lower jaw; lower jaw markedly undershot and
considerably narrower than upper jaw
Go to 10
b. Upper part of head not extending appreciably past tip
of lower jaw; lower jaw approximately same width
as upper jaw
Go to 12
10. a. Body more than 13 feet (4.0 m); head massive, to
one-third of body length; blowhole located far
forward of eyes and to left front of head; dorsal fin
low, triangular or rounded followed by series of
knuckles or crenulations; 18-25 teeth in each lower
jaw fit into sockets in upper jaw (10-16 upper teeth
rarely emerge).
Sperm whale, p. 57
b. Body less than 13 feet (4.0 m); head considerably
less than one-third body length; blowhole located
approximately even with eyes on top of head,
slightly displaced to left but not on left front of
head; conspicuous dorsal fin present; 8-16 teeth in
each lower jaw fitting into sockets in upper jaw
Go to 11

11. a. No creases on throat; dorsal fin small and located in
latter third of back; 12-16 teeth (rarely 10-11) in
each lower jaw.
Pygmy sperm whale, p. 144
b. Inconspicuous creases on throat; dorsal fin tall and
falcate, resembling that of the Atlantic bottlenosed
dolphin, and located near middle of back; 8-11
(rarely 13) extremely sharp teeth in each lower jaw;
rarely 1-3 teeth in each upper jaw.
Dwarf sperm whale, p. 148
12. a. Two conspicuous grooves on outer surface of throat
forming V-shape pointed forward; notch absent or
inconspicuous in flukes.
(Beaked whale) Go to 13
b. No conspicuous grooves on outer surface of throat;
deep median notch on rear margin of tail flukes
Go to 18
13. a. A pair of teeth located at the tip of the lower jaw
(erupted only in adult males, concealed in females
and immature animals)
Go to 14
b. No teeth at the tip of the lower jaw
Go to 16

NOTE: Immature individuals of the species covered in paragraphs 14 and
15 may not be readily identifiable without museum preparation and
examination.

14. a. Two well-developed teeth, erupted or hidden beneath
the gum, are compressed so they appear elliptical in
cross section; body to 16 feet (4.9 m); united
portion of the lower jaws[20] more than one-fourth
the length of the entire lower jaw.
True's beaked whale, p. 77
b. Two well-developed teeth substantially less flattened
so that they appear more nearly rounded in cross

section
Go to 15
15. a. Distinct elongated beak; pronounced bulge to
forehead; blowhole located in lateral crease behind
bulge; body to 32 feet (9.8 m); sometimes second
pair of teeth behind first in lower jaw.
Northern bottlenosed whale, p.
67
b. No distinct beak; forehead slightly concave in front
of blowhole, increasing in concavity with increasing
size; body to 23 feet (7.0 m); united portion of
lower jaw less than one-fourth the length of the
entire lower jaw; head of adult males all white.
Goosebeaked whale, p. 70
16. a. A single pair of teeth in the united portion of the
lower jaw, at the suture of the mandible (about one-
third of the way from the tip of the snout to the
gape); length to 22 feet (6.7 m); flukes less than
one-fifth the body length.
Antillean beaked whale, p. 78
b. A single pair of teeth back of united portion of lower
jaw; body less than 17 feet (5.2 m)
Go to 17
17. a. Teeth not exceptionally large and located
immediately back of united portion of lower jaw,
about half way from the tip of the snout to the gape.
North Sea beaked whale, p. 82
b. Teeth exceptionally large, located on bony
prominences near the corner of the mouth, and
oriented backwards; corners of mouth, particularly
in adult males, have high-arching contour; flukes to
one-sixth or one-fifth of the body length.
Dense-beaked whale, p. 80
18. a. Rostrum, if present, not sharply demarcated from
forehead

Go to 19
b. Head has a distinct, though sometimes short rostrum
separated from the forehead by a distinct crease
angle
Go to 30
19. a. Teeth spade-shaped, laterally compressed and
relatively small; body to only about 5 feet (1.5 m);
22-28 teeth in each upper and lower jaw.
Harbor porpoise, p. 150
b. Teeth conical and sharply pointed (in cross section
circular, or slightly flattened anteroposteriorly)
Go to 20
20. a. No distinct dorsal fin; back marked instead with
small dorsal ridge near midpoint of back.
Go to 21
b. Distinct dorsal fin, in middle or forward third of the
back
Go to 22
21. a. 8-11 teeth in each upper jaw, 8-9 in each lower jaw;
body of young slate gray or brownish, adults white;
short broad rostrum.
Beluga, p. 99
b. No visible teeth (or two teeth) in upper jaw of adults
only; in males and sometimes females one or both
of these may grow up to 9-foot (2.7 m) tusk in left-
hand (sinestral) spiral; no rostrum.
Narwhal, p. 102
22. a. Head long and conical
Go to 23
b. Head blunt
Go to 24
23. a. 20-27 teeth in each upper and lower jaw; crowns of
teeth often marked with many fine vertical wrinkles;
body to about 8 feet (2.4 m).

Rough-toothed dolphin, p. 135
b. 26-35 teeth in each upper and lower jaw; teeth
smooth; body to about 5.6 feet (1.7 m); distribution
restricted to northern coast of South America, in the
Guianas, and adjacent eastward territory of
Venezuela.
Guiana dolphin, p. 132
24. a. Teeth usually at front end of lower jaw only, 2-7 pairs
(rarely teeth in upper jaw); all teeth may have fallen
out of the lower jaw of older specimens or may be
extensively worn; forehead with median crease;
dorsal fin tall and distinct to 15 inches (38.1 cm);
body to 13 feet (4.0 m).
Grampus, p. 96
b. Teeth in both upper and lower jaws, 7 or more pairs,
forehead with no median crease
Go to 25
25. a. Flippers large and paddle-shaped, ovate, and rounded
on the distal end; dorsal fin tall and erect to 6 feet
(1.8 m) in males and 3 feet (0.9 m) in females; 10-
12 teeth in each jaw; teeth to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in
diameter.
Killer whale, p. 84
b. Flippers long and pointed
Go to 26
26. a. Dorsal fin located in forward one-third of body, very
broad at the base; head bulbous.
(Pilot whale) Go to 27
b. Dorsal fin located near midpoint of back; head long
Go to 28
27. a. Flippers one-fifth of body length, or more.
Atlantic pilot whale, p. 91
b. Flippers one-sixth of body length, or less.
Short-finned pilot whale, p. 94

28. a. Flipper has distinctive hump on forward margin; 8-11
prominent teeth curved backwards and inwards, in
each upper and lower jaw.
False killer whale, p. 88
b. Flipper lacks distinctive hump on forward margin;
10-25 teeth in each upper and lower jaw
Go to 29
29. a. 8-13 teeth in each jaw.
Pygmy killer whale, p. 138
b. 20-25 teeth in each upper jaw, 21-24 teeth in each
lower jaw.
Many-toothed blackfish, p. 142
30. a. Beak short, usually less than about 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Go to 31
b. Beak more than 1 inch (2.5 cm)
Go to 33
31. a. Flippers very short; dorsal fin small and triangular;
38-44 teeth in each jaw; body to at least 8 feet (2.4
m); distinct black stripe from beak to area of anus;
in profile beak shows very little separation from
forehead.
Fraser's dolphin, p. 120
b. Flippers long relative to body length; dorsal fin tall
and distinctly falcate; 22-40 teeth in each jaw; in
profile, beak shows distinct separation from
forehead.
(Lagenorhynchus sp.) Go to 32
32. a. 22-28 teeth in each jaw; dorsal fin all black; body to
about 10 feet (3.1 m).
White-beaked dolphin, p. 126
b. 30-40 teeth in each jaw (some animals have greater
number in upper than in lower jaw); dorsal fin part
gray, part black; body to about 9 feet (2.7 m).
Atlantic white-sided dolphin, p.
123

33. a. 20-26 teeth in the upper jaws; 18-24 in the lower
jaws; body to 12 feet (3.7 m); teeth may be
extensively worn.
Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin, p.
128
b. 26 or more teeth in both upper and lower jaws
Go to 34
34. a. 29-36 teeth in each upper jaw; 28-36 in each lower
jaw.
(Spotted dolphins) Go to 35
b. More than 40 teeth in each upper and lower jaw
Go to 36

NOTE: Characters in paragraph 35 are usable only on fresh specimens.
Spotted dolphins in advanced stages of decomposition can be distinguished
only with museum preparation and examination.

35. a. Bridle present (dark lines from eye to rostrum and
from flippers to corner of mouth); cape on head
distinct; no spinal blaze.
Bridled dolphin, p. 108
b. Bridle absent though there is a light line from the
flipper to the eye; cape indistinct; spinal blaze.
Atlantic spotted dolphin, p. 104
36. a. From 46-65 small, sharply pointed teeth; body dark
gray on back, tan to light gray on sides, white on
belly; beak dark gray or black above, white below,
and often black-tipped; body to about 7 feet (2.1 m).
Spinner dolphin, p. 110
b. From 40 to 50 teeth in each upper and lower jaw
Go to 37
37. a. Body to 9 feet (2.7 m); black to dark gray on back,
gray on sides, white on belly; distinctive black
stripes from eye to anus, eye to flipper, and dark
dorsal coloration to side above flipper.
Striped dolphin, p. 113

b. Body to 8.5 feet (2.6 m) but usually less than 7.5 feet
(2.3 m); body dark on back with light thoracic patch
and crisscross or hourglass pattern on side; black
stripe from middle of lower jaw to origin of flipper.
Saddleback dolphin, p. 116

[18] Counts of ventral grooves are made between the flippers and do not include
shorter grooves often found on the side of the head and on the side above the
flippers.
[19] Blue whale has faint lateral ridges.
[20] By feeling between the lower jaws on the ventral surface and moving the
finger forward towards the tip of the snout, one can feel the point at which the
two lower jaws become united (called the symphysis). This location is an
important reference point in distinguishing among the species separated in
paragraphs 14, 15, and 16.

APPENDIX D
RECORDING AND REPORTING DATA ON
STRANDED CETACEANS
So that measurements of cetaceans taken at different times and at widely
divergent locations can be compared, the measurements and the methods of
taking them have been standardized, although there is still some
disagreement about which of the measurements are most important. The
data form located at the end of this guide, usable on both baleen and toothed
whales, includes all the measurements routinely taken by cetologists plus a
few new ones the authors consider important. The form and the directions
for taking measurements are synthesized from those currently in use by the
Naval Undersea Center, San Diego; the Fisheries Research Board of
Canada; the University of Rhode Island; the University of Florida; the U.S.
National Museum, Washington, D.C.; and the National Marine Fisheries
Service, La Jolla, Calif.
Data on stranded cetaceans should be collected by someone experienced in
handling and measuring cetaceans. The legal problems associated with
collection of a specimen are discussed in Appendix C. In addition to having
a permit or knowing how to obtain permission to collect the specimen,
persons active in cetacean research will usually have access to laboratory
facilities where in-depth studies, including postmortem examinations and
collection of tissues for specialized laboratory examinations, can be
conducted. Furthermore, specialized equipment, and the number of steps
required to do a complete job with the specimen, make the procedure
prohibitive for most noncetologists. Diligent attempts should be made to
contact one of the institutions listed in Appendix E. If no one is available
and no permit or approval is obtainable, you are limited to photographing,
sketching, and measuring the specimen without removing the carcass or any
part of the carcass from the beach.
Any person taking data on stranded cetaceans should follow the instructions
itemized below, being careful to take measurements in the manner

prescribed and to record data in as much detail as possible.

1. Specimens should be preserved in 10% neutral Formalin, except for the
stomach contents, which should be kept in 70% ethyl or 40% isopropyl
alcohol, or be frozen. Commercial rubbing alcohol will suffice. As a
minimum, the head, flippers, and reproductive tract should be preserved. If
no other method of handling the specimen is available, and only as a last
resort, it may be buried in the sand well above the high tide line and
carefully marked so it can later be recovered. Burying usually results in the
loss of some vital parts.
2. The carcass should be examined for external parasites particularly in such
areas as the blowhole(s), the eyes, any wounds on the trailing edges of the
dorsal fin, flippers, and flukes. Occasionally barnacles will be found on
teeth or baleen plates. Like the stomach contents, parasites should be
preserved in alcohol.
3. Photographs and sketches are a valuable part of data collection—views
of the animal(s) from as many angles as possible, and detailed shots of such
features as baleen plates, mouth and teeth, ventral grooves, flippers, flukes,
and unusual scars or coloration should be included. Including a ruler for
size reference may be helpful.
4. Although scientific data are usually expressed in metric units,
measurements should be taken in whatever units are readily available. All
measurements should be taken in a straight line, as shown in the diagram,
unless otherwise noted. Measurements which refer to the rostrum are taken
from the tip of the upper jaw. The external auditory meatus (ear) is a small
inconspicuous opening located just below and behind the eye. To locate the
ear the observer must sometimes scrape away some of the skin to expose
the unpigmented ear canal beneath it.
5. Throat grooves are short grooves found on the throat of beaked whales,
sperm whales, and dwarf sperm whales. Ventral grooves are long grooves
found only on balaenopterine whales. Ventral grooves should be counted
between the flippers.

It is difficult to overstress the importance of data from stranded cetaceans.
For some species, the only data available have come from stranded
individuals. By carefully gleaning from each specimen all the data that can
be collected, you will make a valuable addition to the body of knowledge
on these elusive animals.

Appendix Figure D1.—Locations and details
of important measurements.

APPENDIX E
LIST OF INSTITUTIONS TO CONTACT
REGARDING STRANDED CETACEANS
The following list includes many of the institutions in the area covered by
this guide, which are likely to respond to calls about stranded cetaceans.
The institutions on the mainland are listed roughly in order from north to
south, following the contour of the coast. Several island institutions and
organizations are also listed.
These institutions are the ones that come to mind as having taken an active
interest in cetacean strandings in the recent past. In addition to these, almost
any university biology or zoology department, State or Federal conservation
agency or marine laboratory, or local natural history museum or society can
recommend an interested biologist if no staff member is interested. Such
organizations are widely distributed on or near the coasts and are usually
adequately listed in local telephone directories.
It should be obvious that organizations such as oceanaria are the most likely
ones to be interested in live animals on an emergency basis. Even so, these
organizations often cooperate with biologists with whom they are familiar
and so will pick up dead animals for them as well. Conversely, museums
and the like are most interested in the dead animals as they have no
facilities for handling live ones. Nevertheless, they often cooperate with
institutions equipped to handle live animals and will usually help in making
arrangements for picking up the live ones. Therefore, rather than the finder's
making a decision as to whether or not an institution should be called
because the animal is alive or dead, we would urge that the nearest
organization in the following list be contacted under any circumstances.
Space is provided at the end of the list for additions of contacts
inadvertently overlooked in compiling this list, or of institutions which
come into being after its publication.

CANADA

Newfoundland
Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St.
John's.

Nova Scotia
Bedford Institute, Dartmouth.
Departments of Biology, Psychology and/or Physiology, Dalhousie
University, Halifax.
Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax.

Quebec
Arctic Unit, Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Ste. Anne de
Bellevue.

Ontario
Department of Zoology, University of Guelph, Guelph.

UNITED STATES

Maine
see Massachusetts.

New Hampshire
see Massachusetts.

Massachusetts
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole.
New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston.
Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge.

Rhode Island
Narragansett Marine Laboratory, University of Rhode Island,
Kingston.

Connecticut
Mystic Marine Life Aquarium, Mystic.

New York
New York Aquarium, Coney Island, Brooklyn.
American Museum of Natural History, Department of Mammals,
New York City.

New Jersey
Department of Biochemistry, Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
also see New York.

Delaware
see New York.
see New Jersey.

Maryland
Department of Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.
also see District of Columbia.

District of Columbia
Division of Mammals, United States National Museum.

Virginia
Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point.
also see District of Columbia.

North Carolina
Duke Marine Laboratory, Beaufort.
Institute of Fisheries Research, University of North Carolina,
Morehead City.

South Carolina
Charleston Museum, Charleston.
Grice Marine Biological Laboratory, College of Charleston, Charleston.

Georgia
The Georgia Conservancy, The Clusky Building, 127 Abercorn
Street, Savannah.
University of Georgia Marine Institute, Sapelo Island (Darien).

Florida
Marineland of Florida, St. Augustine
University of Florida Biocommunication and Marine Mammal
Research Facility, St. Augustine.
Ocean World, Ft. Lauderdale.
Wometco Miami Seaquarium, Miami.
University of Miami School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences,
Miami.
Sea World, Orlando.
Mote Marine Laboratory, Placida.
Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota.
Aquatarium, St. Petersburg Beach.
Florida's Gulfarium, Ft. Walton Beach.

Alabama
see Florida (Florida's Gulfarium).
see Mississippi.

Mississippi
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs.

Louisiana
Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton
Rouge.
Marine Life Park, Gulfport.

Texas
Sea-Arama Marineworld, Galveston.
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M
University, College Station.
Department of Zoology, University of Corpus Christi, Corpus
Christi.
University of Texas, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas.

Puerto Rico
Commercial Fisheries Laboratory, Department of Agriculture,
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.

Department of Agriculture, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
Santurce (San Juan).

Virgin Islands
Caribbean Research Institute, Red Hook, St. Thomas.

OTHERS

Mexico
Instituto Nacionale de Investigaciones Biologia Pesquera, Division
de Vertebrados Marinos, Mexico 7, D.F.
also see Texas.

Venezuela
Universidad de Oriente, Nucleo de Nueva Esparta, Isla Margarita.

Jamaica
Department of Zoology, University of the West Indies, Mona
(Kingston).
Science Museum, Institute of Jamaica, Kingston.

Bahamas
Lerner Marine Laboratory, Bimini.
Nassau Aquarium, Nassau, New Providence.

Bermuda
Bermuda Biological Station, St. George's.
Government Aquarium and Museum, Flatts.

Cuba
Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Instituto de Biologia, Academie de
Ciencias de Cuba, Havana.

SIGHTING INFORMATION

DATE AND LOCAL
TIME__________________________LOCATION_________________

WEATHER
CONDITIONS________________________________________________
_____

OCEANOGRAPHIC
CONDITIONS_____________________________________________

SPECIES_______________________________________NUMBER OF
ANIMAL(S)______

HEADING OF ANIMAL(S)__________________________SPEED OF
ANIMAL(S)_______
(MAGNETIC)
(KNOTS)

ASSOCIATED
ORGANISMS_________________________________________________
__

TAGS OR UNUSUAL
MARKINGS______________________________________________

CHARACTERISTICS OBSERVED WHICH RESULTED IN SPECIES
IDENTIFICATION___
_____________________________________________________________
______________

BEHAVIOR OF
ANIMAL(S)__________________________________________________
_

SKETCHES

PHOTOS AVAILABLE

YES___NO___

ADDITIONAL
REMARKS___________________________________________________

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OBSERVER (SHIP OR
A/C)___________________________

CETACEAN DATA RECORD

SPECIES___________________________________SEX___LENGTH___
__WEIGHT_____

DATE/TIME STRANDED__________________DATE/TIME DATA
COLLECTED________

LOCATION OF
COLLECTION________________________________________________

OBSERVER
NAME/ADDRESS_____________________________________________
____

SPECIMEN SENT
TO________________________________________________________

Straight
line
Point to
parallel to
point
the body
axis
MEASUREMENTS:
1. Tip of upper jaw to deepest part of fluke
notch

2. Tip of upper jaw to center of anus
3. Tip of upper jaw to center of genital slit
4. Tip of lower jaw to end of ventral
grooves
5. Tip of upper jaw to center of umbilicus
6. Tip of upper jaw to top of dorsal fin
7. Tip of upper jaw to leading edge of
dorsal fin
8a. Tip of upper jaw to anterior insertion of
flipper (right)
b. Tip of upper jaw to anterior insertion of
flipper (left)
9. Tip of upper jaw to center of blowhole(s)
10. Tip of upper jaw to anterior edge of
blowhole(s)
11a. Tip of upper jaw to auditory meatus
(right)
b. Tip of upper jaw to auditory meatus (left)
12a. Tip of upper jaw to center of eye (right)
b. Tip of upper jaw to center of eye (left)
13. Tip of upper jaw to angle of gape
14. Tip of upper jaw to apex of melon
15. Rostrum—maximum width
16. Throat grooves—length
17. Projection of lower jaw beyond upper (if
reverse, so state)
18. Center of eye to center of eye

19a. Height of eye (right)
b. Height of eye (left)
20a. Length of eye (right)
b. Length of eye (left)
21a. Center of eye to angle of gape (right)
b. Center of eye to angle of gape (left)
22a. Center of eye to external auditory meatus
(right)
b. Center of eye to external auditory meatus
(left)
23a. Center of eye to center of blowhole
(right)
b. Center of eye to center of blowhole (left)
24. Blowhole length
25. Blowhole width
26. Flipper width (right)
27. Flipper width (left)
28a. Flipper length—tip to anterior insertion
(right)
b. Flipper length—tip to anterior insertion
(left)
29a. Flipper length—tip to axilla (right)
b. Flipper length—tip to axilla (left)
30. Dorsal fin height
31. Dorsal fin base
32. Fluke span

33. Fluke width
34. Fluke depth of notch
35. Notch of flukes to center of anus
36. Notch of flukes to center of genital
aperture
37. Notch of flukes to umbilicus
38. Notch of flukes to nearest point on
leading edge of flukes
39. Girth at anus
40. Girth at axilla
41. Girth at eye
42. Girth ___ cm in front of notch of flukes
43a. Blubber thickness (middorsal)
b. Blubber thickness (lateral)
c. Blubber thickness (midventral)
44. Width of head at post-orbital process of
frontals
45. Tooth counts:
right upper _______
right lower _______
left upper _______
left lower _______
46. Baleen counts:
right upper _______
left upper _______
47. Baleen plates, length longest

48. Baleen plates, no. bristles/cm over 5 cm
49a. Mammary slit length (right)
b. Mammary slit length (left)
50. Genital slit length
51. Anal slit length

NOAA TECHNICAL REPORTS
National Marine Fisheries Service, Circulars
The major responsibilities of the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) are to monitor and assess the abundance and geographic
distribution of fishery resources, to understand and predict fluctuations in
the quantity and distribution of these resources, and to establish levels for
optimum use of the resources. NMFS is also charged with the development
and implementation of policies for managing national fishing grounds,
development and enforcement of domestic fisheries regulations,
surveillance of foreign fishing off United States coastal waters, and the
development and enforcement of international fishery agreements and
policies. NMFS also assists the fishing industry through marketing service
and economic analysis programs, and mortgage insurance and vessel
construction subsidies. It collects, analyzes, and publishes statistics on
various phases of the industry.
The NOAA Technical Report NMFS CIRC series continues a series that has
been in existence since 1941. The Circulars are technical publications of
general interest intended to aid conservation and management. Publications
that review in considerable detail and at a high technical level certain broad
areas of research appear in this series. Technical papers originating in
economics studies and from management investigations appear in the
Circular series.
NOAA Technical Reports NMFS CIRC are available free in limited
numbers to governmental agencies, both Federal and State. They are also
available in exchange for other scientific and technical publications in the
marine sciences. Individual copies may be obtained (unless otherwise
noted) from D83, Technical Information Division, Environmental Science
Information Center, NOAA. Washington, D.C. 20235. Recent Circulars are:
315. Synopsis of biological data on the chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta
(Walbaum) 1792. By Richard G. Bakkala. March 1970. iii + 89 p., 15 figs.,
51 tables.