Arnoux’s Beaked Whale

About Arnoux’s Beaked Whale:

• They are a rare cetacean species. 
  • A cetacean is a member of the family of large aquatic mammals such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
• Scientific Name: Berardius arnuxii
• Arnoux’s Beaked Whales are a gregarious species generally found in groups of 6-10, but larger groups of 80 individuals have been recorded. 
• Distribution:
  • They are found only in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Their distribution is circumpolar in deep, cool temperate and subpolar waters, generally south of 40°S to the edge of the Antarctic ice shelf (approximately 78°S). 
• Features:
  • They are known for brilliant diving abilities and can measure up to around 30 feet long.
  • Females are thought to be slightly larger than the males.
  • The body is spindle-shaped and resembles dolphins in appearance. 
  • The dorsal fin is small, triangular, slightly hooked, and positioned well back on the body.
  • They are predominantly dark brown in color with paler colouring on their head and ventral sides (undersides), which also have white patches. 
  • Like other whale species, males show extensive scarring, particularly around their dorsal fins. 
  • They are often called Southern four-toothed Whales because of their four teeth found in their lower jaws that are visible even when their mouth is closed. 
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern